A  VIEW FROM WEST STAND LOWER

"In your fair minds let this acceptance take"

Brighton and Hove Albion (2) 2
Hammond 6
Orlandi 26

Bristol City (0) 0

Attendance: 24,044

So this is what a routine win looks like - or as near as one is likely to find such a thing in a highly competitive Championship.

2 early goals, tight at the back, get the competition passing and running around in front of you to no particular end and that did it. This game was not as exciting as last Saturday's nor were there as many scoring chances but what came along went into the back of net and a tight last 35 minutes saw the game out and 3 much needed home points bagged.

I was personally disappointed we did not go for City's jugular in the second half and look to improve the goal difference but, let's be realistic, this is a results game and energy needed to  be preserved for Saturday's big match up the railway line.

The Albion got what they needed so badly last Saturday - an early goal. Early on the only way Buckley could be stopped was by fouling him and both goals came from resulting free kicks. The first was well worked and the second had a touch of farce to it.

Orlandi went to clip in a long free kick from the right but instead chipped the  ball sideways to Bridcutt whose accurate ball to the far post was expertly headed in by a delighted Dean Hammond. His first goal since his return and first by an Albion midfield player this season. He deserved that after rattling the cross bar on Saturday.

Like number 13 buses coming along in groups, on 26 minutes we had the second goal of the season from a midfielder and, again, a debut goal for the club. Another foul on Buckley and another Orlandi free kick from the right. This time Orlandi bent the ball into the centre of the City area. It looked like a rountine headed clearance but the Bristol defender Matthew Bates missed the ball. This wrong sighted goalie Heaton and the ball went into the back of net. Orlandi's celebratory run down the wing was a mixture of delight and embarrassment. 

The Albion had more chances to extent their lead but would have been more than happy with a two goal half time lead. City played their part in an entertaining half with lots of tight control and passing but they badly lacked a cutting edge until, out of nowhere, Pearson rattled Kuszczak's bar with a crashing shot from outside the penalty area.

The second half started with the Seagulls going for a third and they had a couple of good chances. A move down the right ended with the ball landing with Orlandi as he arrived late in the penalty area, but he could not properly control the bounce of the ball and he screwed the ball over the bar.

An even better chance arrived moments later when the Albion robbed City of the ball midway in their own half and Hoskins used his pace to get beyond the City defenders, but his firmly struck shot flew clear off Heaton's legs.

And that was the last meaningful action as Albion shut up shop for 35 minutes and let City huff and puff very attractively but with no penetration. 

The Albion can take a number of positives from the game apart from the clean sheet and goals from midfield. Hoskins looked impressive after waiting nearly a season and half to make his full first team home debut. If he can break his goal duck he might prove difficult to shift from the team. Dunk looked back in the groove and is a major challenger to El-Abd to partner Greer.

As for City they played very attractively and retained the ball for long periods and clearly have a number of very skilful players but badly missed someone to plant all that nice approach play in the back of net. In patches they played some of the best football seen at the Amex this season but I do fear for them.

As I left the Amex I reflected on the points that have recently slipped away because of missed penalties and last minute concessions which would have taken us to the top of the Championship. Still must not cry over spilt milk - we remain very handily placed with all to look forward to in the second half of the season. Now where are we off to on Saturday?

MY PERSONAL ALTERNATE MAN OF THE MATCH: Marcos Painter - Orlandi quite rightly got the main award but a word about Marcus. He defended solidly and got forward when he had the opporutunity. He is obviously well versed in the Gus way and played his full part in a solid victory. It is just possible that could have been his final appearance in a Albion shirt with Bridge due to resume this weekend.