A Small Step in the Right Direction

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Everton

Brighton. Even for me from my West London home, it’s a long journey involving four trains to eventually get to the stadium. And then back again.

A good conversation with a Brighton supporter taking his 5-year-old son to his first match as we headed from London Victoria to Brighton. The young man was very confident and asked me a lot of questions and I told him a lot about Everton. I might have converted the poor lad! I shook his hand and wished him a good day.

I met Mark in the Prince Albert close to the station. Mark gave me the directions. “It’s outside the station”. Even I couldn’t miss that one. He had a drink waiting but was surprised when I asked for a glass of coke! It even had a slice of lemon in it. Thank you, Mark! And for the vino.

We headed off to the Amex. Brighton reminds me of Norwich. From where I live, it looks close on the map but is deceiving and takes a long time to get to.

I was on Row C, very close to the pitch, and had a great view. Thank you as always to Mike for squaring me away. And sorry to those I didn't get to meet. It’s a nice stadium but in the arse end of nowhere with nothing around it. I’ve been there several times and spoken to many Brighton supporters. They don’t like the location, but they also refer to when they had to play at an athletics track and as far away as Gillingham when they didn’t have a home. The conversation reminded me of Charlton when they had to abandon the Valley, which went into decay, before they eventually returned home.

We had so many chances to win it. It felt like we were the more threatening when in possession. That block on the line by the Brighton defender defied gravity and was probably a pivotal moment. Great anticipation by the defender, in fairness. And I don’t know what needs to happen for us to convert some of those chances. I’m not going to bash Dominic. He works incredibly hard. It just isn’t coming off for him right now. Andy Gray springs to mind. It will happen, hopefully next week and then when we take on Masters's love children. I hope the smarmy gobshite is there.

Once again, we were light and almost vacant in midfield. The red card was a stonewall. That was a leg-breaker. Onana was lucky. I don’t think it was malicious, just dangerous but a clear red card.

1-0 up but, for some reason, we sat deep against 10 players, and you could sense the inevitable. We invited it. And it happened. Totally different circumstances, but it almost reminded me of that semi-final. You should all know what I am referring to. Don't sit on a lead. Keep the pressure on.

Tarkowski was immense as always. Mykolenko continues to impress; good, honest, hard-working player. Pickford was good, and credit to Godfrey. He did well and is getting back to form, working very hard.

But Branthwaite. Forget that fantastic strike that exploded the away end and made us believe we had won it. I thought we were all going to fall onto the pitch. He is just amazing. His composure and anticipation deny his young years. I sincerely hope we keep hold of him. My brother is convinced he’s going in the summer.

Random moment. Very comfy cushioned seats at Brighton. Not that you need them as everyone stands up anyway, so I didn’t get to use it.

The referee was poor. Every week. Not just for us, he had a shocker and was losing control of the game. Those of us who have played and watched football understand that football is a game of mistakes, officials included. I can accept that, but it is getting ridiculous.

I’ve spoken to many referees on the field of play when they’ve explained themselves. I haven’t always agreed but accepted that they at least explained their reasoning. It seems these high-level officials just wave it away with the point of a finger. No discussion just self-regulating.

As for linesmen, or should I say assistant officials in the modern era? What is the point? All they do is look nervously at the ref before pointing the flag in the direction of his not-so-hidden hand.

Disappointing to concede at the end, but we took a point home. With our points or some of them back, that will go a long way to keeping us comfortable and be rightfully put in the position we should be in. We are in the fight and not going anywhere.

Getting back to that station. Another ground that has some sort of people traffic light system in place. It takes a seeming eternity to get on the platform, but I’ve learned my lesson and get on the right platform now, heading in the right direction.

I had time as the train was not departing for a while. I went to an establishment on the corner near the station. The doormen asked me if I had a ticket as apparently you needed to show one to get in.

I showed them it on my phone application. Big Everton crest and they suspected I wasn't from Brighton. "You can’t come," in they told me. I stood and chatted to them for a few minutes explaining that I’m not a football hooligan. I never understand it. They explained it’s a licensing thing. I just don’t get it. Hardly like we are renowned for violence and Brighton are a good set of supporters. We just don’t have that in Liverpool.

We shook hands and I headed back to the station. The blues still singing Spirt on the platform at Brighton just as they were singing “Marching” (for you Mark) as we embarked and left the platform at Victoria. Well done, travelling Blue Army. A credit to the club.

It would have been difficult to surpass last season’s visit to the Amex. Another long trip home but not as long for those travelling back on the coaches to Merseyside.

One point closer. The wins will come.

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