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A stunning 20-yard
strike by substitute Alexandre Frutos was one of the few
bright spots for Brighton as they were outclassed by
Norwich at the Withdean.
Even without their
prolific goalscorer Dean Ashton, Norwich were simply too
good for the Albion, with speedy wideman Darren Huckerby
causing all sorts of problems, including scoring the
opening goal while our back line appealed in vain for
offside.
Few could really
complain about the outcome, but Brighton once again had
chances to have got something out of the game.
Poor old Dean Hammond
lofted another simple chance over the bar in the first
half, CK-R blazed horribly wide and high when he should
have hit the target, and Robert Green tipped over to
safety a long-range dipping effort from Leon Knight.
It was no surprise to
me that Brighton's best spell in the game didn't
materialise until Oatway and Mayo (and Jarrett -
ineffective once booked for a clumsy tackle) had been
taken off.
With them out of the
way, it gave us the opportunity to resume the passing
game that has worked so well recently.
And, with a little bit
more luck, Robinson's busy energetic cameo appearance
might have brought a reward.
Fans moaning after the
game about the antics of Huckerby and third goalscorer
Ian Henderson were really just frustrated at being
beaten by a better team. Referee Phil Joslin showed his
true colours officiating in the Hull away game a few
weeks ago, so it was always unlikely he'd give anything
in CK-R or Leon's favour.
The internationals
break gives us an opportunity to re-group and McGhee has
signalled his intention to get in a loan player at left
back, which is much needed. And a fortnight will
hopefully give Richard Carpenter time to recover to
enable him to be restored to midfield against his old
club.
Let's not get too down
about being beaten by a side which is bound to be there
or thereabouts when the promotion places are up for
grabs next April.
By Nick Turrell
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