A VIEW FROM WEST STAND LOWER

SkyBET Championship

21st September 2013

Brighton and Hove Albion (0)3
Spearing 53 (og)
Calderon 55
Buckley 57

Bolton Wanderers (1)1
David Lopez 29 (og)

Attendance: 26,319

League Position: 10th


You see Gus, this is how it is done! The Albion have not celebrated a come-from-behind victory at the Amex since the stadium's opening day back on 6th August 2011. It was achieved with rare aplomb yesterday with a purple patch of 3 goals in 4 scintillating second half minutes. This monkey was well and truly removed from the Albion's back. Those 4 minutes saw a quality of football that must have had Oscar purring. 

In contrast the first half was a frustrating affair. The Albion started brightly and forced 2 corners in the opening 2 minutes. They found

it difficult to create chances with a succession of crosses being either over hit or under hit. A drive over the top from Ward and some adventurous play from LuaLua were all the Albion had to show for their efforts.

As the half wore on Bolton came more and more into the game with Lee producing a sprawling save from Kuszczak. They evenually took the lead on 29 minutes in bizarre circumstances. A short corner was played back to Eagles and his low cross appeared to be deflected by both Ince and then David Lopez resulting with the ball rolling agonisingly past the wrong footed Kuszczak. Clearly not what David Lopez had planned for Spanish Day!

The Albion's only response came from a well worked corner routine. David Lopez knocked the ball long to LuaLua who cut in and from the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a trade mark drive that crashed down off the underside of Bogdan's bar just the wrong side of the line.

The second half was a wholly different affair with Albion taking total control in 4 hectic minutes. On 53 minutes Spearing flattened Ward just outside the penalty area for which he was booked. Having witnessed a number of David Lopez set piece mishits in the first half LuaLua ushered him away and drove a superb cross into the penalty area. Barnes got in front of his marker as Spearing deflected the ball past the stranded Bogdan.

Perhaps a Poyet side would have sat back on their laurels but this Albion side went for the jugular. Calderon and Buckley combined down the right for Calderon

to drive his first of the season on his 150th appearance to the right of Bogdan on 55 minutes. 2 minutes later a similar move resulting with Calderon repaying the favour by releasing Buckley to cut in and drive the ball again low to Bogdan's right.

The Albion played the game out pretty comfortably. Kuszczak was forced into a few routine saves and the Albion might have added to the tally. The best chance fell to David Lopez from a superb Conway cross that he appeared to drive against the near post. Barnes, in the interest of personal safety, got his head out of the way of LuaLua cross-come-shot that flew narrowly wide.

Bruno came on for the final 10 minutes to undertake a play-where-you-feel role. He turned up at centre forward, left winger and right across the midfield.

As for Bolton they were a shadow of last season's team with mostly the same squad. They appeared drained of confidence and clearly have a walkabout defence. Storm clouds loom for Dougie Freedman.

Seagulls' fans can see how Oscar's side is coming together. This was a total team performance even though 8 potential first team regulars were missing due to injury and suspension etc. 

Every Albion player gave their all in a real team effort. Some of the team play was outstanding. They pass the ball around more quickly than in recent seasons and mix up the style of play. Apart from some set pieces it

was hard to fault them.

Now undefeated in 6 games and prospects are looking good for Oscar and his boys.

MAGIC MOMENT: LuaLua's control and drive against the underside of the bar from distance in the first half. Bogdan could only watch opened mouthed!

REF WATCH: Mr. Jones was responsible for the pass of the first half when he intercepted a cross field pass from Greer and played in Ngog who should have scored. It was good for blood pressure around the Amex that Ngog spared Mr. Jones' blushes. 

MANGER WATCH: Oscar was all sartorial elegance as usual but for Freedman it was a day of torment. The North Stand chanted about his job prospects throughout the second half. For long periods Freedman just sat in his chair no doubt reflecting on why he left Palace to take Bolton into the Premiership only to find Palace in the top league and Bolton bottom of the Championship. Soccer can be a cruel game!

ALTERNATIVE MAN OF THE MATCH: The sponsor's award went to the great prospect Rohan Ince (who would probably not even make the bench if Andrews and Bridcutt

were available) but my award goes to LuaLua in what was probably his best all round performance since joining permanently from Newcastle. He helped out in defence when needed, was always a threat when on the ball, struck the underside of the bar and took control for the game changing free kick.