*Gullsworth*
My Hair is like his hair
How much longer?
Cue clamour cliche of “start the youngsters” as soon as we are / if we ever become safe
Locadia and Ulloa first?
I think the Academy is now bearing fruit. Marvellous stuff, is promotion to the top tier out of the question?
Champions gain automatic promotion. Places 2-5 enter the play-offs, with the winner also gaining promotion.
Gyokeres has been a revelation since he arrived ,it can be done via the playoffs i think .
I only follow this thread for most matches, but it seems to be Bjordal that is constantly involved. Bloom always said the DS is a long-term project, but there appear to be quite a few names that might make it (whether with us, or elsewhere).
Very very impressive.
Surely a striker graduating to the 1st team squad and then team is the target (although I’d take position).
Could we be the new Southampton?
And if so, which top 6 club would we be the feeder team for?
Very very impressive.
Surely a striker graduating to the 1st team squad and then team is the target (although I’d take position).
Could we be the new Southampton?
And if so, which top 6 club would we be the feeder team for?
Thanks, great report!Reet then, just back from the game.
Firstly, I have seen far worse standard first team games than that! Overall, this was a very impressive performance against a supposedly good side. Other than the first 8 minutes, we controlled the game and Middlesbrough rarely threatened.
We scored with our first chance, a fantastic cross from the right from Sanders over the defence was knocked back by Bjordal for Gyokeres to slot it into the corner past the keeper. Easy Peasy. The 2 Brighton fans in the crowd and the subs all cheered. Boro tried hard to get back into the game, but other than a few jinky runs from their number 11, didn't do much. Anything that came the defences way was mopped up by Tom Dallison and Ben Barclay.
We scored from our second chance - another through ball from Sanders was chased down by Gyokeres who was actually fouled on the edge of the box, but the ball ran loose, the ref played on Bjordal slotted home past the keeper. The 2 Brighton fans and the subs cheered a bit louder this time. Everyone was expecting the ref to give the foul, so well done him for not doing so.
Boro huffed and puffed bu again created nothing. Connolly had a good shot saved just before half time. After the break, more of the same. Brighton in control. The 3rd goal came from a corner, yes I will say that again - WE SCORED FROM A CORNER! Ball floated over to the far post, the Goalie did a Petr Cech and tried to reach it, failed miserably and Barclay just nodded it in to the empty net. Scenes on the terracing as a outbreak of moaning from the locals drowned out the rapturous celebrations of massed blue and white army.
Not much happened after that really - the red card was a nasty challenge and deserved, although Boro didn't think so. Mandroui came on second half for 15 minutes, Owen Moore came on for Barclay and Davies came on for Gyokeres.
Onto the players:
Sanchez - not a lot to do, but was solid when called upon. Has a big gob on him which is always a good thing for a keeper.
Mateju - Very good. Linked up well with Tilley and the midfield, has a good cross on him and did well against quite a tricky winger in Coulson.
Cox - Also very good. Talks a lot, has great anticipation and also has a very good cross on him.
Barclay - Struggled a bit a first but got into the game more as it went on.
Dallison - Another good player. Made a couple of mistakes but quickly rectified them. Very good in the air and didn't really give their attack a sniff.
Sanders - Excellent player. Ran the show. Always seems to have space, looks for the forward pass but not afraid to keep things simple either.
Alzate - Another very good player. Quietly efficient
Tilley - Bit disappointing. Tried a few things that didn't come off. Not his night.
Bjordal - Very good. He is quite a unit, is quick, helps defend well, has a great first touch and took his goal very well. He is not another Jose sadly, but he has some talent.
Connolly - Quiet start but got better. Quick, annoys the defenders, good movement. Struggles to hold the ball up sometimes but he is not the biggest.
Gyokeres - This guy is good. Very good. Holds the ball up, has good feet, draws fouls when required, finishes well. He is a young Glenn Murray. If he can learn all the tricks from the master himself, he could do very well. Looked knackered when he came off though.
Moore - Is he a centre back? He is a bit small. Did ok though
Davies - Came close towards the end from the long range shot. Looked alright
Mandroiu - Didn't play for long but he looked good. Has good touch.
I was impressed. They looked very solid, some excellent passing and interplay and were rarely troubled. Standout players for me were Big Victor, Sanders, Bjordal, Dallison and Cox. The best £3 I have spent in ages.
Reet then, just back from the game.
Brilliant stuff, many thanks for taking the trouble to write this up.
I think Sanders has come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months or so, I think he might have a chance of making it. It also looks like we've picked up a good'un in Gyokeres.
Cheers KZN.
Cue clamour cliche of “start the youngsters” as soon as we are / if we ever become safe
Bjordal scored his 9th goal of the season this evening (and 5th in his last 8 games). His contract expires this summer so I wonder if Albion have seen enough to give him an extension?