Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters 0-2 Crystal Palace
Supporters
Crystal
Palace supporters recorded their first victory over the
fans of Brighton and Hove Albion since 2002 to ensure
that the Robert Eaton Memorial Trophy made the journey
back up the A23 to Croydon thanks to a 2-0 victory at
Lewes' Dripping Pan.
A
healthy crowd packed out the Blue Square South venue for
the match, which saw over £10,000 raised for the fund
through sponsorship, raffles and auctions and gate receipts.
Albion manager Andy Rumble had a number of difficult decisions
to make with a strong squad supplemented by the appearances
of Seagull legends Ricky Marlowe and Peter Ward.
It
was the home side who were quickest out of the blocks,
no doubt fueled by criticism of them in the run-up to
the game on Albion message board North Stand Chat. With
Palace fielding former-Premiership superstar Simon Rodger
though, they were always a threat and should have taken
the lead with an effort that hit the crossbar as Seagulls
'keeper Peter Griffin could only look on.
Neil
Kane's pace was a constant menace up-front for Brighton,
and he should have put his side in the driving seat when
played through one-on-one, but saw his weak effort deflected
wide for a corner by the Palace goalkeeper. The Seagull's
looked strong from set pieces, with several players going
close, but they found the visitors defence and in particular
their goalkeeper impenetrable.
The
second half began in similar circumstances, with the Albion
squandering chance after chance. Kane again found himself
in a one-on-position but his decision to round the 'keeper
this time backfired as he fired wide, before Brett Mendoza
did nothing to dispel rumours about his wish to represent
China at rugby as he skied the ball over the bar from
six yards in an effort that Jonny Wilkinson would have
been proud of.
The
turning point in the match was not far away, with Albion
captain Sheehan Edmonds having to be withdrawn with cramp
and the previously solid back four beginning to resemble
the real Albion side of the start of the season. A long
ball forward wasn't dealt with and when Griffin attempted
to gather at the advancing forwards feet he could only
spill the ball allowing Palace to take the lead. It was
a cruel moment for a player who has been a rock in the
previous winning sides, and even worse was to follow for
his team mates when a speculative lob worthy of winning
any game found it's way into the top corner.
With
tempers becoming frayed as a baying crowd called for Rumble's
head, Richie Morris found himself going into the book
following hand bags with an ultra-competitive Rodger,
and a sense of disappointment dawned on all those in blue
and white inside the stadium with the realisation that
missed chances were going to cost the home side dear and
ensure that there proud six year winning run was coming
to an end.
A
disappointing result from an Albion point of view, but
overall the most successful REMF match since the first
year in terms of raising money. Thanks to all those who
sponsored the event, and a big well done to all those
involved behind the scenes who made the event possible.
Despite losing the game, it was an enjoyable evening for
everyone involved, including the great thrill for the
squad of getting to join Ricky Marlowe and Peter Ward
for a night out on the town afterwards - and as the photos
below confirm, they certainly enjoyed themselves as well!
For more
professional photos from the event, please see the excellent
All Things
Brighton Beautiful website. Also, check out our small
highlights package from the game itself below:
