Just back from Brighton...

[Wallington Saint]

Damm! Well on top till Lambert's sending off, thought Guly in midfield, Conelley up front working well. TBF brighton took advantage well.

[Um Bongo]

Just got back.

 

First impression - Used the park and ride. Worked well, straight out at the end, so can't complain. Stadium was nice, however didn't feel finished. Need seats in the corners and another tier. The west stand looked impressive though.

 

Thought we played well first half, Harding was so lucky - Yellowed for a perfectly fine tackle, then Brighton player dives leaving him on a tightrope - Atkins had to take him off. Lallana's shot was well over the line - Everyone saw it bar D'Urso and his useless ****ing assistants.

 

Second half we started well - Lambert was pulled down, again not seen by D'Urso. Then the sending off. From what I saw, Lambert was trying to get up after being PULLED DOWN AGAIN by the bald **** - He keeps hold of him on the floor and Rickie gives him a shove to get off of him. Not near his face - Yet the defender goes down in the most comical style - Think S.Taylor when he handled the ball and then tried not to get sent off. Unfortunately D'Urso bought the reaction and showed a red. Davis should have saved the first goal, could do nothing about the second and the third should have been cleared.

 

It was never a 3-0 scoreline and at time's we were still the better team, even with 10 men.

[Dog]

I feel like my pants have been pulled down to my ankles in my own back garden.

[Chin Strain]

Just got back.

 

First impression - Used the park and ride. Worked well, straight out at the end, so can't complain. Stadium was nice, however didn't feel finished. Need seats in the corners and another tier. The west stand looked impressive though.

 

Thought we played well first half, Harding was so lucky - Yellowed for a perfectly fine tackle, then Brighton player dives leaving him on a tightrope - Atkins had to take him off. Lallana's shot was well over the line - Everyone saw it bar D'Urso and his useless ****ing assistants.

 

Second half we started well - Lambert was pulled down, again not seen by D'Urso. Then the sending off. From what I saw, Lambert was trying to get up after being PULLED DOWN AGAIN by the bald **** - He keeps hold of him on the floor and Rickie gives him a shove to get off of him. Not near his face - Yet the defender goes down in the most comical style - Think S.Taylor when he handled the ball and then tried not to get sent off. Unfortunately D'Urso bought the reaction and showed a red. Davis should have saved the first goal, could do nothing about the second and the third should have been cleared.

 

It was never a 3-0 scoreline and at time's we were still the better team, even with 10 men.

 

I'll go with everything that you've written, bar I thought Lambert's was a red card. Yes, he was rugby tackled, but he certainly looked to have slapped the bloke in the face. You just can't raise your hands.

 

Blagged parking at the ground, just rocked on up and were waved through by everyone even though we had no pass. Best bit of the day (unfortunately)

Edited 2 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[Matthew Le God]

Need seats in the corners and another tier.

 

That is exactly what they are doing, details in the match programme and on the big screen. Will be ready for 2013/14.

[Scarface]

Lambert slapped him and deserved the red card, regardless of what happened with the bold tossed before. Lambert lashed out at his face and deserved the red card. Cost us the game and 3 games ban when were depleted with up front options

[Kevin Turvey]

I feel like my pants have been pulled down to my ankles in my own back garden.

 

You seem a little pre-occupied with all things bum-related. No offence intended, just saying like.

[Nutwood2]

If someone was pinning me to the ground, my natural reaction would be to lash out and do anything I could to get up. Of course it's not a red! You boys who weren't around when men were men and football was football make me laugh!

[John B]

It was a red card as Lambert did not take part in the remainder of the game

[SaintNeil90]

The majority of referees would not have sent Lambert off today. He reacted to being held to the ground. He used one hand to push El Abd off him and unfortunately this is all D'Urso saw. A sending off should be for violence, this was not violent and was more of a scuffle. It didn't deserve a red.

[Scarface]

If someone was pinning me to the ground, my natural reaction would be to lash out and do anything I could to get up. Of course it's not a red! You boys who weren't around when men were men and football was football make me laugh!

 

It's not about men being men, it was a stupid rush of blood.

[PokingFun]

If someone was pinning me to the ground, my natural reaction would be to lash out and do anything I could to get up. Of course it's not a red! You boys who weren't around when men were men and football was football make me laugh!

 

I think most of us agree but we dont play football anymore in an environment where its OK to give someone a slap or lash out which means Lambert has to accept absolute responsibility, especially seeing as he must have known the ref was on edge.

[shurlock]

Not one to paper over cracks or sugar-coat a sh*te performance but I think we can take positives from today. Until the sending off, we bossed the game, creating 2-3 excellent chances and winning numerous corners.

 

With Connolly starting, we reverted back to our early season set up. Guly looked liberated playing in a narrow midfield and AL took advantage of the options around him to play give and gos and collect the ball at pace (something which he hasn't been able to do). Harding got forward well and Hammond played at a high temp. Connolly did what he does best, finding space and pulling players out of position (in a way Guly hasn't been doing upfront), though he also looked rusty at times. Most pleasing was the movement and speed of our passing.

 

Our narrow midfield did OK against their two wide players who are anything but reserve players. A combination of Guly, Connolly and Richardson closed down LuaLua on the right, though Buckley had a better time down the other side. CMS didn't get a sniff against Jos. Apart from one glorious chance, a cutback which theur oncoming player should have buried, Brighton offered very little.

 

IMO Harding was very unlucky for his yellow; but it got the crowd going and he was promptly targeted by balls down the channel. The substitution was inevitable, a shame because Harding had got into some good forward positions and wasn't afraid to get close to his man.

 

The beginning of the 2nd half had a similar feel as the 1st. We had an early shout for a pen which looked dubious; but Guly's injury seemed to upset our shape and tempo. However, Lambert's sending off really changed things. The ref didn't see El Abd's gamesmanship and wrestling that provoked Lambert; nor the actual incident - other than Lambert's follow through and El-Abd making the most of things. But you raise your hands, you're skating on thin ice and praying on the ref's discretion. The sending off was utterly needless and on another day and under the control of a better ref, the outcome might been different. But Rickie can have no complaints.

 

Notwithstanding the extra man, Brighton huffed and puffed and its not surprising that their goal came from an unforced error. Rather than trying to collect the ball first time, KD should be playing the percentages and turning the ball around the post. KD's flaws are well-known -his poor distribution and shaky command of the box- but I always assumed he was a decent shot stopper. But 3 fumbles in 2 games? He pulled off a great save before the goal and could do nothing about the second which was a worldie; but with ten men and without Lambert and Forte/Reeves your back-ups (Forte wasn't bad TBH), the first goal was always going to settle things.

 

Upset we got done by such a sh*t outfit and unsure whether we were good or their weakened side made us look good (though we did hold our own against and carved open a 5 man midfield). When the dust has settled, the implications of Lambert's dismissal will be more important than the quality of performance which is perhaps refreshing change after the last month or so and hopefully transfer activity over the next 12 days helps lessen the blow on that front.

Edited 2 January, 2012 by shurlock

[rocknrollman no2]

Just got back.

 

First impression - Used the park and ride. Worked well, straight out at the end, so can't complain. Stadium was nice, however didn't feel finished. Need seats in the corners and another tier. The west stand looked impressive though.

 

Thought we played well first half, Harding was so lucky - Yellowed for a perfectly fine tackle, then Brighton player dives leaving him on a tightrope - Atkins had to take him off. Lallana's shot was well over the line - Everyone saw it bar D'Urso and his useless ****ing assistants.

 

Second half we started well - Lambert was pulled down, again not seen by D'Urso. Then the sending off. From what I saw, Lambert was trying to get up after being PULLED DOWN AGAIN by the bald **** - He keeps hold of him on the floor and Rickie gives him a shove to get off of him. Not near his face - Yet the defender goes down in the most comical style - Think S.Taylor when he handled the ball and then tried not to get sent off. Unfortunately D'Urso bought the reaction and showed a red. Davis should have saved the first goal, could do nothing about the second and the third should have been cleared.

 

It was never a 3-0 scoreline and at time's we were still the better team, even with 10 men.

Agree with this.

We had lots of chances and should have scored in the first half .If D urso had not sent Rickie off because of the cheating tactics of Brightons no 6,then we may have won.Though i was disappointed by our lack of options on the bench.

[Chin Strain]

Not one to paper over cracks or sugar-coat a sh*te performance but I think we can take positives from today. Until the sending off, we bossed the game, creating 2-3 excellent chances and winning numerous corners.

 

With Connolly starting, we reverted back to our early season set up. Guly looked liberated playing in a narrow midfield and AL took advantage of the options around him to play give and gos and collect the ball at pace (something which he hasn't been able to do). Harding got forward well and Hammond played at a high temp. Connolly did what he does best, finding space and pulling players out of position (in a way Guly hasn't been doing upfront), though he also looked rusty at times. Most pleasing was the movement and speed of our passing.

 

Our narrow midfield did OK against their two wide players who are anything but reserve players. A combination of Guly, Connolly and Richardson closed down LuaLua on the right, though Buckley had a better time down the other side. CMS didn't get a sniff against Jos. Apart from one glorious chance, a cutback which theur oncoming player should have buried, Brighton offered very little.

 

IMO Harding was very unlucky for his yellow; but it got the crowd going and he was promptly targeted by balls down the channel. The substitution was inevitable, a shame because Harding had got into some good forward positions and wasn't afraid to get close to his man.

 

The beginning of the 2nd half had a similar feel as the 1st. We had an early shout for a pen which looked dubious; but Guly's injury seemed to upset our shape and tempo. However, Lambert's sending off really changed things. The ref didn't see El Abd's gamesmanship and wrestling that provoked Lambert; nor the actual incident - other than Lambert's follow through and El-Abd making the most of things. But you raise your hands, you're skating on thin ice and praying on the ref's discretion. The sending off was utterly needless and on another day and under the control of a better ref, the outcome might been different. But Rickie can have no complaints.

 

Notwithstanding the extra man, Brighton huffed and puffed and its not surprising that their goal came from an unforced error. Rather than trying to collect the ball first time, KD should be playing the percentages and turning the ball around the post. KD's flaws are well-known -his poor distribution and shaky command of the box- but I always assumed he was a decent shot stopper. He pulled off a great save before the goal and could do nothing about the second which was a worldie; but with ten men and without Lambert and Forte/Reeves your back-ups, the first goal was always going to settle things.

 

Upset we got done by such a sh*t outfit and unsure whether we were good or their weakened side made us look good (though we did hold our own against and carved open a 5 man midfield). When the dust has settled, the implications of Lambert's dismissal will be more important than the quality of performance which is perhaps refreshing change after the last month or so and hopefully transfer activity over the next 12 days helps lessen the blow on that front.

 

Yep, all of this. First half BHA didn't know when to follow our players and when to stay. DC did a great job of coming short and both full backs pushed up to create the width. Sending off was the key.

[LA77]

Just got back.

 

First impression - Used the park and ride. Worked well, straight out at the end, so can't complain. Stadium was nice, however didn't feel finished. Need seats in the corners and another tier. The west stand looked impressive though.

 

Thought we played well first half, Harding was so lucky - Yellowed for a perfectly fine tackle, then Brighton player dives leaving him on a tightrope - Atkins had to take him off. Lallana's shot was well over the line - Everyone saw it bar D'Urso and his useless ****ing assistants.

 

Second half we started well - Lambert was pulled down, again not seen by D'Urso. Then the sending off. From what I saw, Lambert was trying to get up after being PULLED DOWN AGAIN by the bald **** - He keeps hold of him on the floor and Rickie gives him a shove to get off of him. Not near his face - Yet the defender goes down in the most comical style - Think S.Taylor when he handled the ball and then tried not to get sent off. Unfortunately D'Urso bought the reaction and showed a red. Davis should have saved the first goal, could do nothing about the second and the third should have been cleared.

 

It was never a 3-0 scoreline and at time's we were still the better team, even with 10 men.

 

I agree with all of this

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Just back

Re Lambert’s red. I don’t mind refs who make mistakes but I do not like refs who are cowards and D’Urso falls into that category.

Minutes before the Lambert sending off he (D’Urso) denied him an absolute stonewall pen. It was right in front of D’Urso and the Saints fans but he chose to ignore it because he didn’t fancy the fuss. Lambert was quite rightly furious and his frustration probably made him push the Brighton def when trying to legitimately regain his feet. I don't think he "raised" his hands because he was actually on the ground when the incident happened.

Also D’Urso’s treatment of Harding was scandalous. First booking was a brilliant tackle. I am still seething about him getting booked.

 

OK – positives and negatives.

POSITIVES

We were the better side up to the Lambert sending off and, even after that, held our own until Brighton profited from a Davis fumble (again), got a wonder goal (shows it pays to let fly sometimes) and a lucky ricochet from a corner.

Lambert is going to get a much needed rest, he looked jaded before he got sent off.

It must be obvious by the fact we had to use Reeves and Forte that WE DO REALLY NEED TO BUY’ AND BUY SIGNIFICANTLY. Someone from Japan may be one for the future but we can’t expect him to shine straight away.

Connolly had a good game, worked his socks off and was full of enterprise.

Martin did not let himself down at all and nearly scored towards the end.

Reeves and Forte were not too bad either.

Hooiveld Saints MoM. Thank Christ we got him when we did.

NEGATIVES

Lallana not good again although he scored a goal which the coward D’Urso missed. Needs a break (welcome back Puncheon?)

Davis spilled another – no point making great saves from shots if you can’t get the basics right.

Cork missed an absolute sitter at 2-0 which would have put B&HA under pressure had he scored. Cork worked hard but he is SO goal shy (as is all our midfield Chaplow excepted) and that is a big minus. His form recently has not been good.

 

Summary. Overall we were unlucky and having a coward as a ref caused our downfall. However I have a feeling we will all find out in the next 4 weeks how committed the Liebherr family are to getting their club and us into the Premiership. Throwing money at a club rarely makes sense but right now that is exactly what we need. A statement of intent we can all rally around and a boost to morale? We are running on empty after a fantastic year - time to add new blood.

Finally their ground looks a lot better from the outside than it does from the inside. It is half finished although as someone has said they are planning to do more work.

[Golden Balls]

£90m for that stadium? Jesus!

[shurlock]

£90m for that stadium? Jesus!

 

£90m for just one stand.

[RobM]

£90m for that stadium? Jesus!

 

Half a stadium

[Legod Third Coming]

Just back

Re Lambert’s red. I don’t mind refs who make mistakes but I do not like refs who are cowards and D’Urso falls into that category.

Minutes before the Lambert sending off he (D’Urso) denied him an absolute stonewall pen. It was right in front of D’Urso and the Saints fans but he chose to ignore it because he didn’t fancy the fuss. Lambert was quite rightly furious and his frustration probably made him push the Brighton def when trying to legitimately regain his feet. I don't think he "raised" his hands because he was actually on the ground when the incident happened.

Also D’Urso’s treatment of Harding was scandalous. First booking was a brilliant tackle. I am still seething about him getting booked.

 

OK – positives and negatives.

POSITIVES

We were the better side up to the Lambert sending off and, even after that, held our own until Brighton profited from a Davis fumble (again), got a wonder goal (shows it pays to let fly sometimes) and a lucky ricochet from a corner.

Lambert is going to get a much needed rest, he looked jaded before he got sent off.

It must be obvious by the fact we had to use Reeves and Forte that WE DO REALLY NEED TO BUY’ AND BUY SIGNIFICANTLY. Someone from Japan may be one for the future but we can’t expect him to shine straight away.

Connolly had a good game, worked his socks off and was full of enterprise.

Martin did not let himself down at all and nearly scored towards the end.

Reeves and Forte were not too bad either.

Hooiveld Saints MoM. Thank Christ we got him when we did.

NEGATIVES

Lallana not good again although he scored a goal which the coward D’Urso missed. Needs a break (welcome back Puncheon?)

Davis spilled another – no point making great saves from shots if you can’t get the basics right.

Cork missed an absolute sitter at 2-0 which would have put B&HA under pressure had he scored. Cork worked hard but he is SO goal shy (as is all our midfield Chaplow excepted) and that is a big minus. His form recently has not been good.

 

Summary. Overall we were unlucky and having a coward as a ref caused our downfall. However I have a feeling we will all find out in the next 4 weeks how committed the Liebherr family are to getting their club and us into the Premiership. Throwing money at a club rarely makes sense but right now that is exactly what we need. A statement of intent we can all rally around and a boost to morale? We are running on empty after a fantastic year - time to add new blood.

Finally their ground looks a lot better from the outside than it does from the inside. It is half finished although as someone has said they are planning to do more work.

 

Where would you spend FF?

 

And why does Durso continue to get top games when he is such a clueless cretin???

[Chez]

£90m for that stadium? Jesus!

did they have to pay for the railway station because I can't see where the £90m went. Still, a damn sight better than the Withdean.

[The Cat]

did they have to pay for the railway station because I can't see where the £90m went. Still, a damn sight better than the Withdean.

 

The station stank afterwards too. What was that all about?

[south]

£90m for just one stand.

 

If fairness, it's work in progress due to original planning permission constraints. Once complete it will be one of the best in the division.

[rick1976.4.38]

just back from brighton.we were on top first half and though couldnt see from our end but have found out since had a goal not given.davis does another fumble and really should have saved it,there second was a great strike.rickie defo should have had a pen but durso as per normal gave us nothing,i have to say imo he has an agenda against saints,we never get any decisions when he is the ref.this is more than likely why he put his hand into cb face,he shouldnt have done but was a dirty tackle on him and then the cb wouldnt let go of rickie.also harding had a good game till the ref booked him for a tackle where he clearly won the ball,frustration boiling over abit adkins had no choice but to take him off,cos brighton would have made sure he got sent off.we def are weak if weve got to bring forte and reeves on,weve been poor for a while now and we need to stop the decline.well pleased with what weve achieved so far this season but it could end with nothing if we dont strengthen.coys

[rick1976.4.38]

The station stank afterwards too. What was that all about?

if it wasnt a stink bomb then they need to sort out their sewage,it was rank