Back from the game - Brighton (A)

[Bucks Dave]

I'm not sure I can take another 4 games like that. Brighton passed the ball around impressively and controlled several periods of the game so I just hope they play like that against West Ham in a few days time. There was little of the play acting they showed at the
MadStad and Feds was my man of the match by keeping us in it when I was certain we would crack. His penalty save was first class.

But suddenly losing the pairing of Karacan and Ledge had an obvious effect and our normal harassing of the opposing midfield was missing. I hope Ledge is back against Saints or we may not ride our luck again.

Roberts really wound the crowd up as per West Ham and his grin was a mile wide.

[Royal Lady]

Not long been back. Queues for park and ride back were huuuge. No one wanted to check our travel tickets so we could have saved a few bob if we'd realised. Good looking stadium at the arse end of nowhere. Nice seats with plenty of leg room but we all stood anyway! Lived on our nerves for majority of game but luck was with us tonight and I think we'll go up in an auto spot. Don't care if we're champions or not really! Kebe didn't show up tonight but odds are that he'll more than make up for it on Friday. Nice to see jem on pitch celebrating at end of game. Hope legs is fit for Friday. Good night.

[Mr Angry]

We were battered for the majority of the 90 minutes by a team that passed us to death more than any team since Swansea last May; if BHA play like that on Saturday, West Ham are in for a shock.

Great stadium; I approached it from the Woodingdean side rather than the A27 and it really does look appropriate in the environment. Inside, it has been left with the corners unfilled and the East Stand at half its potential capacity deliberately for planning reasons. Over time they will expand it to 30,000.

The fans were genuinely polite and welcoming and had a nice pint of Harvey's in their equivilent of The Jazz Cafe (although they were fine with away fans in colours in there).

As for the game, it started quite slowly, but after Fed had made the first of his countless saves, we scored with Harte's free kick in our first attack of the game. After that, the only other attack of note saw an excellent cross by Cywka met by Noel Hunt and forcing the BHA keeper into making a good save. At the other end.....well, it was pretty relentless; we seemed happy to surrender 70% of the pitch to them and that was always going to be dangerous, as their cute little one-twos aroound and in the box were casuing real problems - how Vincente failed to score when 4 yds out is a mystery. Bluntly, our patched together midfield was totally outplayed tonight, though they hung in there and did the best they could; sadly, Kebe was a complete passenger for the first half and failed to offer any threat going forward whilst giving away passession too easily.

Second half swung on the penalty; there had been growing claims during the first half, and in the end the ref capitulated to probably the softest claim of the lot, almost on the basis of totting up! After a delay, the pen itself wasn't particularly well placed, but Fed still made an excellent save, and was an obvious Man of the Match.

The rest of the 2nd half followed the pattern of lots of BHA possesion, slick passing yet generally the final pass being broken up by a guy in a red shirt, or else Fed making a save. We threatened to break but never really seemed to achieve much, and all along, a set piece looked our best chance for a goal. That came after Church had done well to win a free kick, crossed superbly by Harte for a thumping header from 6yds out by Pearce that nearly snapped the crossbar in half!

The tension was incredible - at no time did it feel comfortable (unlike West Ham away for example) - but we showed brilliant resolve, grit and determination to grind out a massive 3 points - 3 points that will see us to promotion.

One final mention of the BHA #6, who spent the whole of the game battling against Roberts - his pathetic attempt at getting Roberts sent off near the end by faking that he had been elbowed in the face was as disgusting as it was embarassing.

Roll onto the next game; who have we got by the way??

[arthurfondrelli]

Thinking about it, how the fcuk did we win that game?

[URZZ]

Video I found on Twitter http://www.twitvid.com/0T6CL

[pea]

Federici - 9, didn't really do anything wrong, earnt his clean sheet with a lot of comfortable saves from tricky situations.
Cummings - 9 was quality all game and had to do it by himself as Kebe didn't track back once
Pearce - 7 pretty solid as usual but scuffed a few clearances
Gorkss - 8 great composure to diffuse a few counter-attacks and never looked threatened by any of their strikers
Harte - 8 much the same as all his recent performances, solid defensively although didn't get much chance to get forward

Mullins - 5 looked like a weak link, made some good tackles but that was it
Cywka - 6 did well with some clever passes and we missed his attacking mindset when he went off but didn't get much opportunity to take on his man
McAnuff - 7 normal performance from him in central midfield, did all he had to do but we missed Ledge massively and Mullins did little to help him

Kebe - 2 absolutely appalling, looked thoroughly disinterested, barely ran, didn't support any attacks but didn't get back either. He only gets 2 for a neat bit of skill in the second half. Lost the ball in our own half so many times trying to take it out or failing to make a clearance when there were simple options available
Hunt - 6 pretty average, barely saw the ball first half, had a few good chances but failed to take them
Roberts - 7 always a threat but was often restricted to wing play due to the lack of Kebe

Gunnarsson - 10/10 legend
Church - 6 ran a bit for the first five minutes on the pitch and then did nothing


Can't understand the praise for Brighton, we had nothing going forward but I thought we could still be playing now and they still wouldn't have found a player who could stick the ball in the back of the net. We restricted them to long shots which they couldn't even get on target most of the time and they looked extremely average to me.

[royalsteve]

Well, we're in the car but I always wanted to done of these.

Rode our luck a bit but Feds was skillz and kept a lively Brighton side at bay well and we could have doubled the advantage late when Pearce somehow hit the bar from a cracking header.

Lowly ground, very welcoming but cheers for the 3 points

yeh rode our luck tonight. not great from an attacking perspective but good defending. good display considering we were missing karacan, legs and kanu and kebe just didnt look fit at all

odd stadium - main stand was great, other side look ok but half finished, away end looked and north stand just looked odd, odd slopping roof - will look good when theyve filled the gaps in - i presume when theyre in the prem or regular top championside side, which looks likely

as for getting to and from the stadium WHAT A oxf*rd JOKE!!!!

someone please kill the car hating morons!! and the train moron - we parked in Lewes train station car park and got the train - in order to get their you have to DRIVE 4-5 MILES PAST THE GROUND!!! how is that environmentally friendly you retards. The best bit is that the return journey home the retard train driver didnt stop at Lewes and went onto the next station somewhere in retard land. The train back was waiting there and people tried to request the guard hold the train but the retard was too stupid so we had to wait another 30 mins for the next train. Southern trains you owe me 1 hour!! WHAT A SHAMBLES - I WONT BE RETURNING THEIR AGAIN UNLESS I HAVE TO

have to say the brighton fans were great - do you hear that you Wet Sham and Leeds retards

weird game though, cant believe their shot hit the crossbar when it would have been easier to score and feds save for the penalty was excellent, though the penalty wasnt brilliant but still not bad - 9/10 it would gone in. couldnt believe pearce missed too

for mom was close but i cant decide between gorkss or pearce

[royalsteve]

Federici - 9, didn't really do anything wrong, earnt his clean sheet with a lot of comfortable saves from tricky situations.
Cummings - 9 was quality all game and had to do it by himself as Kebe didn't track back once
Pearce - 7 pretty solid as usual but scuffed a few clearances
Gorkss - 8 great composure to diffuse a few counter-attacks and never looked threatened by any of their strikers
Harte - 8 much the same as all his recent performances, solid defensively although didn't get much chance to get forward

Mullins - 5 looked like a weak link, made some good tackles but that was it
Cywka - 6 did well with some clever passes and we missed his attacking mindset when he went off but didn't get much opportunity to take on his man
McAnuff - 7 normal performance from him in central midfield, did all he had to do but we missed Ledge massively and Mullins did little to help him

Kebe - 2 absolutely appalling, looked thoroughly disinterested, barely ran, didn't support any attacks but didn't get back either. He only gets 2 for a neat bit of skill in the second half. Lost the ball in our own half so many times trying to take it out or failing to make a clearance when there were simple options available
Hunt - 6 pretty average, barely saw the ball first half, had a few good chances but failed to take them
Roberts - 7 always a threat but was often restricted to wing play due to the lack of Kebe

Gunnarsson - 10/10 legend
Church - 6 ran a bit for the first five minutes on the pitch and then did nothing


Can't understand the praise for Brighton, we had nothing going forward but I thought we could still be playing now and they still wouldn't have found a player who could stick the ball in the back of the net. We restricted them to long shots which they couldn't even get on target most of the time and they looked extremely average to me.

have to agree, brighton played quite well but for all their possesion didnt create many decent chances - mind you im surprised that biased ref didnt add on 12 hours anyway to go with the 16million free kicks he gave the diving seagulls - the brighton players should be wearing snorkels against Wet Sham (Wet Sham players should join them)

also from what i saw im glad we didnt sign craig ms

[royalsteve]

Federici - 9, didn't really do anything wrong, earnt his clean sheet with a lot of comfortable saves from tricky situations.
Cummings - 9 was quality all game and had to do it by himself as Kebe didn't track back once
Pearce - 7 pretty solid as usual but scuffed a few clearances
Gorkss - 8 great composure to diffuse a few counter-attacks and never looked threatened by any of their strikers
Harte - 8 much the same as all his recent performances, solid defensively although didn't get much chance to get forward

Mullins - 5 looked like a weak link, made some good tackles but that was it
Cywka - 6 did well with some clever passes and we missed his attacking mindset when he went off but didn't get much opportunity to take on his man
McAnuff - 7 normal performance from him in central midfield, did all he had to do but we missed Ledge massively and Mullins did little to help him

Kebe - 2 absolutely appalling, looked thoroughly disinterested, barely ran, didn't support any attacks but didn't get back either. He only gets 2 for a neat bit of skill in the second half. Lost the ball in our own half so many times trying to take it out or failing to make a clearance when there were simple options available
Hunt - 6 pretty average, barely saw the ball first half, had a few good chances but failed to take them
Roberts - 7 always a threat but was often restricted to wing play due to the lack of Kebe

Gunnarsson - 10/10 legend
Church - 6 ran a bit for the first five minutes on the pitch and then did nothing


Can't understand the praise for Brighton, we had nothing going forward but I thought we could still be playing now and they still wouldn't have found a player who could stick the ball in the back of the net. We restricted them to long shots which they couldn't even get on target most of the time and they looked extremely average to me.

have to agree re: kebe - he was awful, but i wondered if he was injured, dont agree with scores for hunt and roberts they worked themselves into the ground holding the ball up, getting fkicks - both were an 8 for me, and pearce 8 also, defence was immense again - other scores spot on though

[urz13]

Nice ground, good home fans, important win, smash and grab style.

Federici - 10 MOTM Nothing else needs to be said.
Cummings - 9 Was superb, all night. Even had a shot!
Pearce - 7 Scuffed a few, should definitely have scored.
Gorkks - 8 Awesome in the air
Harte - 8 Coped well and scored
Kebe - 6 Tracked back a lot but was ineffective first half. Better in the last 10 mins of the second.
Mullins - 6 Bit rubbish really
McAnuff - 7 Did well, constant pressing and got forward well.
Cywka - 7 Pronising when he got the ba (rare). One wonderful ball in for Hunt.
Hunt - 8 Slme superb flicks, could've scored.
Roberts - 8 He is a living troll towards other teams. Legend.

Bryn - 10
Church - 6

Atmosphere - 8

[blueroyals]

Kebe's not looked right since he was rushed back from injury all those weeks ago. Can't see him being dropped now due to the difficult run in, which is a shame because HRK > the half fit Kebe of recent weeks

[blueroyals]

Reading the KUMB reaction tonight is a good laugh (as always). They have given up on catching Southampton and it's all about us slipping up and them catching us now...joint top and 40 points out of 45 says they should be trying to catch Southampton!

Also this gem from your standard Wet Sham supporter:

I console myself with the fact that Reading will get absolutely raped in the prem next season

I agree, I think they will struggle too. The advantage we would have is that we are a London club big support so can attract decent players to have given us a decent crack at staying up. The three to go up will all likely come back down lol

[Jackson Corner]

Road are luck. Missed Legs and Jem just could not keep the ball it just kept coming back at us. Will have to play better if we are to get anything at Saints. I fancy Brighton to get something at West Ham on this showing. Lovely ground by the way.

[BenReadingFC]

Pearce's header
It should be available in HD when dailymotion stop messing around. For now, it is in mediocre quality. not my fault.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xq1lbp_pearce-crossbar-shot_sport

[SHORT AND CURLY]

Well, we're in the car but I always wanted to done of these.

Rode our luck a bit but Feds was skillz and kept a lively Brighton side at bay well and we could have doubled the advantage late when Pearce somehow hit the bar from a cracking header.

Lowly ground, very welcoming but cheers for the 3 points

yeh rode our luck tonight. not great from an attacking perspective but good defending. good display considering we were missing karacan, legs and kanu and kebe just didnt look fit at all

odd stadium - main stand was great, other side look ok but half finished, away end looked and north stand just looked odd, odd slopping roof - will look good when theyve filled the gaps in - i presume when theyre in the prem or regular top championside side, which looks likely

as for getting to and from the stadium WHAT A oxf*rd JOKE!!!!

someone please kill the car hating morons!! and the train moron - we parked in Lewes train station car park and got the train - in order to get their you have to DRIVE 4-5 MILES PAST THE GROUND!!! how is that environmentally friendly you retards. The best bit is that the return journey home the retard train driver didnt stop at Lewes and went onto the next station somewhere in retard land. The train back was waiting there and people tried to request the guard hold the train but the retard was too stupid so we had to wait another 30 mins for the next train. Southern trains you owe me 1 hour!! WHAT A SHAMBLES - I WONT BE RETURNING THEIR AGAIN UNLESS I HAVE TO

have to say the brighton fans were great - do you hear that you Wet Sham and Leeds retards

weird game though, cant believe their shot hit the crossbar when it would have been easier to score and feds save for the penalty was excellent, though the penalty wasnt brilliant but still not bad - 9/10 it would gone in. couldnt believe pearce missed too

for mom was close but i cant decide between gorkss or pearce

I was also on that train

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthrea ... arce/page4


Totally agree about Brighton fans. Top bunch. I reckon I would be pretty hacked off as a home fan to have got nothing out of that game.
They played as well as any side I have seen this season. We rode our luck an somehow sneaked away with 3 points.

[The Real Sandhurst Royal]

A massive three points considering we were outplayed for most of the game.

Federici was superb once again and kept us in the game on more than one occasion.

Pearce’s bullet header on 80 minutes would have been the icing on the cake had it gone.

Paid for a padded seat and never used it, what a waste!!!

[royalp-we]

Just thinking back to last night and still cannot work out just how we managed to come out with the 3 points!

Fwiw two of our midfield had played a combined total of 6? Games for us between them and Kebe didn't turn up, he does what he wants but Lallana will have a field day if Jimmy doesn't get his positioning right on Friday leaves it all to Cummings (who btw although some may not agree, I believe is turning in to the best young FB we've signed since we signed Shorey from Orient). Pearcbe and Gorkks reliable as ever although a few let offs. As said MOTM Adam Federici do do do do.

Amex was decent for a new stadium (apart fromlack of food)although wasn't as loud as I was led to believe unaffected by public transport as on the motorbike straight in and straight out as always.

Roll of Friday.

[phil in cornwall]

Road are luck.

Love it. Reading game and British education summed up in three carefully chosen words.

Big future in journalism, JC.

[The Rouge]

Right, just got back. As has already been said, we were lucky. Brighton were more than decent, and with half our team out injured it was no surprise to see us on the back foot for most of the game. Saying that, we were pretty solid. They got through a couple of times but apart from that we managed to keep them at an arm's length. Penalty was a ridiculous decision (probably influenced by him missing one in the first half) but Fed's made a great save to send us into delirium. Pearce should have buried his header, and Hunt had a couple of openings which he didn't take advantage of...all in all I'd say it was a well deserved, gritty 3 points.

Ratings

Fed - 10 - 'nuff said
Cummings - 8
Pearce - 8 - Gave penalty away but was brilliant otherwise
Gorkss - 9
Harte - 9
Kebe - 5 - Didn't get involved till the last half hour, shame as he looked pretty sharp when he woke up
Mullins - 6 - Meh. Didn't do anything wrong, but didn't have the pace to cope with Brighton's midfield
Cywka - 7 - I thought he looked really bright when he got on the ball. That wasn't very often though, and I'm not convinced we're the right team for him
Jobi - 8 - Proper captain's effort
Hunt - 7 - Should have shot when clean through, worked hard with little product
Roberts - 8.5 - Love this guy

Gunnar - 10000000000
Church - 5

Fans - 6 - Not a patch on the West Ham game. But then again, with how the travel arrangements are around the Amex, most of the fans turned up sober so hard to really get it going

Stadium - 6 - Best pre-match pint I've had at a ground, but otherwise I wasn't that taken to it. Too many gaps without seating.

FWIW I think your first 11 ratings are about spot on. Church didn't sd0o anything wrong so a 6. Cwyka was ok but probably a 6 too. Difficult for him starting up off Roberts then getting shifted to the wing.

Stadium - without wishing to sound pretentious I thought it looked excellent from outside. Smooth curves and a very interesting design. Inside the rake was too shallow and a couple of the stands looked rubbbish but it'll improve.

.

Pretty much agree with the ratings except no way did Cywka deserve a 7 - I would give him a 6. Would give Jobi a 7 as well.

[loyalroyal4life]

Thinking about it, how the fcuk did we win that game?

There's been plenty when we have thought the same about he we didn't win the game, guess these things even themselves out