Bouncebackability (with a little help from my friends)

The title of this post was the term I heard banded around the AMEX on Tuesday night after another glorious Albion performance saw us comfortably see off The Rams' of Derby to almost certainly quash the thoughts of an end-of-season wobble. In some fans' minds (mine included) our season was hanging on a knife edge after the weekend's result, but Tuesday's performance has unquestionably lifted the spirits of the Albion faithful once again.

At around 5 o'clock last Saturday afternoon I was definitely worried for our play-off status due to the strength of the teams around us, although this also no longer seems the case as last night's round of Championship fixtures saw Coventry and Leicester  bail us out with draws against both Cardiff and Blackpool respectively.

Anyway though, back to our game on Tuesday night, despite our result in our previous game I still felt a sense of confidence that we could, and I'm not one for quoting associates of our enemies up the road but in this case I felt as if I had to, show great 'bouncebackability' to quickly turn around our misfortune.

And what happened next was nothing short of spectacular, one of the best Albion performances of the season ended with our Spanish comrade Vicente grabbing assists number 7 and 8 to set up a 2-0 victory. Now, if that isn't bouncebackability for you, then I'm not quite sure what is.

Football friend!

Now, this is where the second part of the title comes into it, our performance on Tuesday night left us in fourth place, which is actually the first time we have occupied this spot in the league all season, although we haven't ventured further than 4th since way back in October. This left us a game up on everyone else immediately below us, which gave enough fans enough cause for concern.

Everyone's attention switched the Wednesday's round of fixtures, with both Blackpool & Cardiff featuring, and with the opportunity for them to both go above us with victories there was somewhat of a love in for fellow Championship sides Leicester and Coventry, with nearly every Albion supporter becoming an honorary fan for the evening to ensure they both held their nerve and got the results that would keep us in our place (and obviously benefit them as well, although we might have forgotten that)

Prayers were answered with aptitude as both games ended in draws, although it didn't make easy viewing, Cardiff lead Coventry 2-1 going into stoppage time, and I'll be the first to say I was slowly running out of fingernails to chew, however Oliver Norwood did the duty of sealing a last minute equaliser to earn the Sky Blues' a 2-2 draw.

At this point you're probably wondering, why am I particularly happy about Coventry drawing with Cardiff? Well, as the news slowly filtered through to the sports media, I frantically refreshed by BBC Sports page expecting a Cardiff win at full-time, but how wrong was I, a 2-2 final score meant a cheer from our household as various articles could update their league tables with the Albion still in 4th place.

Because of the results previously mentioned, Blackpool and Cardiff couldn't quite require the points in order to knock us off our perch, so we could sit back and relax, knowing that until the weekend at least, we had preserved our play-off status And it does sounds weird because even though we are in fourth, we are definitely closer to the dropping down the league than we are actually progressing in it, as any team from fifth to eighth could go above us with wins at the weekend.

But in my opinion, with the position we are in, it's in our hands to maintain a play-off spot and as long as we keep our results consistent to what we have currently been doing in this calendar year, we could well be fighting for that third promotion spot into the Barclays Premier League. Of the eight games we have left, we still have to play four of the teams around us which is certainly no easy ride, but when do we ever make it easy for ourselves, eh?

Thanks for reading again guys, with the mountain of college coursework/exams I've had recently, I thought I'd seen the death of this, but I'm hoping I can get a couple more posts in soon providing the interest in still there for the readership. Next post will be about whether the Premier League is right for us at the moment, keep reading!

Son of a Pitch!

A move to a new stadium brings a whole host of new problems and issues to a football club. Infrastructure, transport links, catering and ticketing sees a transformation into a new life, and the pitch the players will play on is certainly no exception.

Today's groundsmen proudly boast about how well their pitches are kept and how they wear with extreme resilience. You only have to look back into the archives and see the cut up turf our legends used to play on.

Modern football today is all about showcasing your highest talents and skills, and you'll want a pitch with the best durability and surface in order to succeed. Having a pitch to match the fantastic stadiums we are privileged to have adds that bit of professionalism to the game. A lush green playing surface not only looks good to the spectators, but is also a mouth-watering prospect for today's stars.

Fibrelastic® technology was introduced by Mansfield Sand in order to produce a more player-friendly resilient surface for all sports stars to play on. With a mixture of sand and organic matter, their pitches contribute to a carpet-like playing surface which is meant to reduce player injuries by reducing pitch hardness and increasing durability. Fibrelastic Rootzone blends materials in order to reinforce the natural growing grass for a long-lasting surface.

However, with that being said, it seems that not everyone is best pleased with the effects Fibrelastic are meant to produced. Gus Poyet today announced that he believes it is the pitch at the Amex which has contributed to large number of hamstring injuries we've succumbed to.

Poyet's comments in the Argus revealed that this season's hamstring injury list has grown from zero from last season to around five or six in this season. An alarming amount for one team alone, so we have to ask, what's the solution to this dilemma?

Can we afford to rip the whole thing out and change it at the end of the season? Do we stick with what we have and hope that things change as the players acclimatise themselves with the conditions? Do we change our training pitch to mirror that of the Amex, so the players are used to the pitch that the play on every day of the week? Or do we simply train less on the Amex pitch, giving it more time to recover after games?

I think it'll have to be a case of trail and error until we find the perfect solution, but I don't think we should make any big adjustments just yet. Fibrelastic is used at over 40 Football League stadiums, and if they haven't experienced the same situation as us, then maybe it isn't the pitch that is causing it?

Without having too much knowledge on the situation it's difficult to come to a justified conclusion, and we all know that amendments are being made to our training facilities to mirror those of the conditions at the Amex, so in time the situation will be resolved. But I don't think we should be getting too worried yet, as we can proudly boast one of the best pitch technologies in the country being in our stadium, it just needs time to wear to it's correct state.

Back to the Drawing Board

As FA Cup Third Round ties were finishing up and down the country, everyone's attention soon turned to ITV1 and what was to be the draw for the Fourth Round. Only one Non-league side remained thanks to our 1-1 draw with Wrexham yesterday, and with a number of replays still to be played, there wasn't really a clear picture on who would be playing who in the next stage of the competition. 

I somewhat rudely interrupted table conversation at dinner to ask for permission to leave so I could watch the draw, and after harsh stares from football-hating mother and her boyfriend, I managed to escape. I sat alone in the lounge as the only one with any genuine interest in the game and flicked over as Jim Rosenthal was doing the introductions for the occasions.

I took one final look at the teams and still couldn't highlight a name that I would have preferred. I was half expecting us to draw a team in the same league as us, just like we always do, however I thought with the replay at the Racecourse Ground beckoning, this time things could have been a bit different.

Us Albion fans didn't have long to wait as Dave Jones pulled out ball number 13 first, another home tie in cup competition, our fifth home cup game this season, out of a possible five.At this point I slid towards the edge of my seat as we potentially have full pickings from the list, any team could have come out, and the last one I probably expected did...

Newcastle United.

I was pleasantly surprised at this as well, the surprise package in the Premier League potentially coming to the Amex has the feeling of a mouthwatering affair, providing we can get past Wrexham, that is.

Alan Pardew's side saw off fellow Premier League outfit Blackburn Rovers, as another disappointing performance from Steve Kean's men saw the Toon overcome a 1-0 deficit to emerge 2-1 winners, with Hatem Ben Arfa and Jonas Gutierrez grabbing the goals.

We've had our tussles with Newcastle off the pitch already this season, after continuous negotiations over the eventual transfer of Kazenga LuaLua  seemed to last forever, with the Tyneside club apparently to blame. We also had disagreements over Steve Harper's loan, which was originally meant to last three months, but only lasted the one after Pardew's intervention.

However, providing we beat the Dragons at the Racecourse it will be what happens on the pitch that's most important. Luckily, Newcastle should be without hitman Demba Ba as he serves his duty for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations, which also applies for midfield maestro Cheik Tiote, who is with the Ivory Coast.

All in all, an interesting tie beckons if we can beat our non-league counterparts in the Third Round replay. It will be a different challenge than the Premier League challenges we have already faced this season, as on the evidence I've seen this season Newcastle seem a very organised side who will attack from the off and try to use their pace and pin-point accuracy to split open our defence. Roll on the potential tie on the weekend of the 28th, I'll certainly be there if we get through!

FA Cup Fourth Round draw:

Arsenal/Leeds v Aston Villa

Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday

Brighton/Wrexham v Newcastle

Dag & Red/Millwall v Southampton

Derby v Stoke

Everton v Fulham

Hull v Crawley Town

Liverpool v Man Utd

Macclesfield/Bolton v Swansea

Milton Keynes Dons/QPR v Chelsea

Sheffield Utd v Birmingham/Wolves

Stevenage v Notts County

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Watford v Tottenham 

West Bromwich v Norwich

FA Cup: Impressive youngsters not enough to see off Dragons

As the senior members of the squad were rested for Albion's Third Round FA Cup tie against Wrexham FC, their replacements didn't quite have the finishing touch to see of their non-league counterparts as the game drew to an exciting 1-1 draw.

Both teams went into the fixture with reasons to be confident. After Monday's 3-0 victory over table-toppers Southampton, Brighton were confident they could carry this form into  this FA Cup tie, whereas Wrexham were boasting a 15-game unbeaten streak in the league, and were high on confidence from the start as it was obvious that they had nothing to lose.

Poyet made 6 changes to the Albion side which saw off the Championship's leaders on Monday, electing to preserve his senior players for what he believes to be the far more important league campaign. Some changes were forced however, due to Gordon Greer starting his 3-game suspension, and assistant manager Mauricio Tarrico picking up a hamstring injury against Southampton.

There were debuts for Development squad stars Grant Hall and Ben Sampayo, whilst Ashley Barnes and Romain Vncelot were available for selection again after completing their 3-match bans. The selection dilemma for Wrexham player/boss Andy Morrell was somewhat easier though, as only one forced change had to be made, bringing himself into the starting line-up in place of crocked striker Mathias Pogba.

As expected, the Albion had the best of the early exchanges, with Kazenga LuaLua tormenting Wrexham full-back Curtis Obeng with his quick turn of pace. LuaLua regularly broke down the wing fizzing in low crosses, however no Albion players were there to meet the ball to produce a finish.

Inigo Calderon, who was still struggling for fitness despite his inclusion in the starting line-up, had a tough afternoon lined up trying to deal with the pace and trickery of Jake Speight, who regularly troubled the Spaniard, however he was lacking in a final product which painted the picture for the goalless first half.

Albion's best chance of the half game from 17-year old Jake Forster-Caskey, who was playing in his second full game for the senior team. A mazy run in the middle of the park incurred the chorus of "shoot" chants from the crowd. He tried his luck from 25-yards, only to be foiled by Dragons keeper Joslain Mayebi.

Wrexham midfielder Jamie Tolley had Albion 'keeper Peter Brezovan scampering to his bottom right-hand corner and a powerful free-kick dipped at the right time and was heading goal-wards, however the Slovak was equal to it. Perhaps the most entertaining moment of the first-half were the choruses of, "Seagulls, Seagulls" as our white-feathered friends entered the on numerous occasions.

The 19,000 paying customers didn't have to wait long for goals however, as the it only took 3 minutes for Albion to open their FA Cup account for this season, after yet more dazzling wing play from LuaLua produced another low cross, which this time was turned in by an advancing Jake Forster-Caskey, his second goal in two games.

Worry set into the Albion faithful as moments later LuaLua slumped to the floor after another impressive run, what seemed to be another hamstring problem for the team, and turned out to be his last act of the match. He was replaced by Torbjorn Agdestein, giving the Norwegian teenager his first senior start.

Albion's development squad players were confident in helping out the senior players remaining in the squad to see out the game and book their place in the Fourth Round, however FA Cup ties are never easy for the Albion, and just after the hour things became a lot more difficult.

After some patient build-up player, Polish under-19 international Adrian Cieselwicz skipped past the Albion defence and after a hefty deflection from Grant Hall, Brezovan was wrong-footed as the ball sailed over his head and into the back of the net, sending the Wrexham fans into raptures.

Bouncing after their equaliser, and no doubt the alcohol consumed in the concourses, led to the near 2,100 Wrexham fans drowning out the Albion faithful, as they needed the final push to get over the line. The introduction of Development Squad centre midfielders Anton Rodgers and Yaser Kasim seemed to spark a revival as Rodgers looping volley nearly had Mayebi beaten, however the Wrexham stopper was saved by the top of the crossbar.

Despite Albion's best efforts, their mix of senior and development squad players were unable to carve out a second goal, so their mindset switched to seeing out the game and getting the replay. However with the Wrexham team hot on their heels, they know it would be no easy task. A late free-kick nearly spelt disaster for the Albion as the ball spilled out to Tolley who unleashed a spectacular drive, however Brezovan put his full body behind the ball and confidently palmed it to safety.

The referee blew his whistle to signal the end of play and it was obvious that the Wrexham fans were of course the happier set of supporters, however Albion's young guns definitely shone through as the best performers on the pitch, however Wrexham's squad definitely deserves praise after their brilliant show of character to confidently draw with a side two leagues above them.

The Albion will now travel to The Racecourse Ground for the replay, but not before they find out who their potential Fourth Round opponents will be, with the draw being made tomorrow, and Albion will be ball number 13.

Brighton: Brezovan; Calderon, Vincelot, Hall, Sampayo; Navarro (Kasim 63), Sparrow, Forster-Caskey; Buckley (Rodgers 63), Barnes, LuaLua (Agdestein 53). Subs not used: Ankergren (GK), Bridcutt, Mackail-Smith, Bergkamp.

Wrexham: Mayebi; Obeng, Creighton, Knight-Percival, Ashton; Speight, Tolley, Harris, Clarke (Keates 78), Cieslewicz (Hunt 87); Morrell (Little 78). Subs not used: Maxwell (GK), Clowes, Anoruo.

Goalscorers:
Brighton: Forster-Caskey [48']
Wrexham: Cieselwicz [62']

Referee: Darren Deadman
Match Attendance: 18,573 (2,029 Wrexham)

FAcing up to Reality

We're only 5 days into the New Year yet there is already pressure and excitement building on both football fans and players as another weekend of potential football 'magic' beckons. Yes, it is that time of year again, it's FA Cup weekend.

The typical cliques will come out, as some ties will mirrror David & Goliath as the non-league minnows have the opportunity to prove their worth against some of the Football League & Premier League's biggest clubs. And isn't it funny that famous quotes even relate to this situation, "Everybody pulls for David, yet nobody roots for Goliath"

We face non-league side and current occupiers of Blue Square Premier's number one spot Wrexham FC, who are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the non-league ranks. Boasting one of the strongest sides in the BSP, you have to go back to the 27th September to witness the last time Wrexham lost a league game, a massive 15-match unbeaten run since, including an impressive 4-0 triumph over ex-Football League side Stockport County.

As many fans of Brighton will know, manager Gus Poyet definitely isn't one for cup competitions. Last season he made comments suggesting that the Johnstone's Paint Trophy should be scrapped from the football calendar, and his desire to perform in such competitions was evident after crashing out in the First Round.

I'm not saying for one second this also applies to the FA Cup, as last season we saw our Seagulls fly as far as the Fifth Round, before unfortunately falling to the powers of Delap in a 3-0 defeat to Stoke.  However, it was our earlier ties in the competition which are getting me worried for this Saturday's encounter.

Last season we faced two non-league sides, Woking FC and FC United of Manchester, and on both occasions, we were forced into replays away from home which only further congested our busy fixture list, and with ambitions to maintain top spot in League One, extra games in the FA Cup were certainly not what we wanted.

I went to both of the home games against Woking and FC United and wasn't surprised to see the team when I turned up, the bigger players rested for the league and some of the development squad given their chance to prove their ability in an attempt to stake a claim for more first team action. Now I know this is what the Cup is all about, giving your younger players an opportunity to shine, but in our case it nearly spectacularly backfired, and we nearly landed ourselves in some trouble. 

I'm not slating the commitment the players put into the game because I'm sure they were giving it their all, but I don't think I was the only one who had my head in my hands as I witnessed Evo Stik Premier side FC United dazzle our defence.and nearly pull off one of the biggest Cup upsets last season would have seen.

There is a reason for this, though. It's easy to see that the minnows want it more as they believe they are the ones who have to go out and prove their worth to the world. The Football/Premier League players will be expecting an easier ride, however, but they are occasionally blown away by some of the astonishing play our non-league teams produce.

From what I witnessed last season I think that some changes will need to be made before our encounter with Wrexham on Saturday, as it's certainly not going to be easy, we've drawn the biggest non-league side who will be going out with nothing to lose, trying to prove their all, and we will have to be on our guard to avoid another potential upset.

After our recent triumph over Championship top dogs Southampton, I'm quietly confident going into FA Cup weekend, but it's the cup, and it's magic, so you never know what it round the corner. The reality is, the minnows will be going out to topple the big teams over to prove that the magic of the FA Cup is still alive, and we will have to be on our guard to assure that there isn't a repeat of last season's early round antics, and we''re not facing another potential upset.