A much more straightforward and closer journey for me this week. It was a pretty quiet train journey and I didn't really encounter many supporters of either club until I arrived in Brighton. There was plenty of time to kill, so I went for a walk. Twenty minutes later, I was back at the station and went for a coffee. I had a comfortable feeling about the match and getting something. We and I have a decent record there in the past few seasons, with the 2-0 and 5-1 wins being the highlights recently.
 
Confession time for those who didn't know. I couldn't get a ticket from Everton as it had been sold out for weeks. So I took my chances and logged onto the Brighton official website. To my surprise, it was straight forward. I put my details in, paid and got a ticket in the home section, although I selected a seat close to the away end. I've done this before, but unlike at Wolves, for example, I didn't have to pay a membership fee before I could buy the ticket.
 
A random observation, like Liverpool, there are plenty of seagulls to greet you on arrival at Brighton, but they seem to be a different species and less aggressive. The last time I stayed at the Adelphi a few weeks ago, I was heading to Lime Street in the morning and encountered a right brute, a real big lad, perched on a council bin pulling away at something. He looked at me and hopped off the bin with half a discarded pizza in his mouth and headed in the direction of St John's. I'm not sure the impact that would have on the food chain. Anyway, enough of my limited ornithology knowledge. It was time to make my way to the Amex Stadium. As is always in Brighton, they implement a queuing and filter system to get on the trains on matchdays.
 
I was surrounded by Brighton supporters on the short hop to the ground. They were all happy at this point. As we now know, this wasn't to last!! Interestingly, there was a large French contingent polishing off a crate of fosters and lots of south-east Asian supporters. Time for food as I'd only snacked en-route. I spotted a van at the north end of the stadium. Not that I wanted it, and I'm used to paying extortionate prices at football matches, but £14.50 for fish and chips was taking the proverbial. I'll wait, I thought.
 
There was a band playing on the sidelines before the match. I don't know if that is normal, or just to welcome Everton!! Then the loud music started. It was more like Apres Ski than being at a football match. On went the flamethrowers with a few fireworks thrown in. I was glad once the sideshow had finished and we could get down to the football.
 
I need not have worried about being with the home supporters. They were a pretty passive bunch. I was mainly surrounded by south East Asians, or, more specifically, as I later found out, Japanese. A friendly bunch, they were all fully loaded with at least two shopping bags each from the club store and must have spent a fortune. Multiply that by however many were in other parts of the stadium. Brighton has latched onto something there. Good marketing, building on contacts through a player they must have discovered through their scouting network and are capitalising through it, not just on the pitch, but off it. On a par to our neighbours with coach trips from Ireland being ushered into the club store and flights from Oslo to Speke?
 
Also, behind me were a few east Europeans. They bought coffees!!
 
I have to say, one of the benefits of sitting in the home section is that they have really comfy seats, which I was able to actually sit in.  On my previous visits to the Amex and other alway days, it's a case of standing up for the entire match. Always look for a positive, even if I was looking towards the nearby away end filled me with envy.
 
Onto the match, as I saw it.  
 
It started slowly; both teams, but obviously I was more concerned with Everton reverting to a slow game. Things picked up and then ignited as we approached half time and Beto chased down a Brighton defender to win a corner. Or at least I thought it was a corner. A Brighton defender was following the ref around the penalty like a lost puppy dog. Then I could see our players standing with the ball near the edge of the area. Maybe it's been pulled back for a free kick? The lost puppy was still following the ref's every step. I'll be honest, at this point, I had no idea what was going on as it had all happened down the other end. Then the plot thickens. VAR Check - possible penalty. Well, what a sequence of events that was until the ref finally shook off his unwanted friend and awarded the penalty.
 
Ndiaye calmly slotted it away and then proceeded to do a seagull impression. Quality!! It's great to see a bit of banter. Supporters dish enough out, so take your medicine when it comes back. So, drama just before half time. But not quite, as the 4th official put an additional 6 minutes up on the board. Cue a sign and massive groan and complaint from me! By now, my cover was blown. One of the stewards signalled to me just to temper it, but I was okay. Not ejected just yet!!
 
Onto the second half. As you would expect, Brighton came out with intent. I thought we would ride the storm, but we sat increasingly deep and I, for one, wasn't comfortable. We defended stoically, however were ably assisted by Brighton seemingly not bringing their shooting boots. That's not to take anything away from our defending; it was classic 'you know who' tactics and backs to the wall stuff, testing the laws of average and my anxiety too much for my liking. Brighton, for all their possession and probing, however, they didn't really threaten too much, maybe coming close once or twice.
 
As it got close to the end, the away end started bouncing into song. The Japanese supporters near me were watching the Evertonians more than the match by now!! I was clock-watching again. Nearly over, but then up goes the board. 8 (count them) 8 minutes of added time. I wasn't sure whether to cry, stay or go and pace around outside. I opted to stay.
 
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the whistle went, and once the school playground fight was over, the players came over to celebrate with the now very noisy blue army. I thought it was never going to end. I don't think the players and supporters did either. I looked over even more enviously and eventually got moved on by the stewards. They were fine with me as we headed down the stairs. Finally ejected at the end!! We shook hands and they pointed me to where the Everton supporters would be, not that I needed it, but a nice gesture. The gates were open, many still on the concourse getting served. I tried to get in, but was turned away as once you leave the ground, you can't get back in, so it was over to the station and 'enjoy' the queuing system to get onto the platform. 
 
A quick run down on the players:
 
That wasn't Pickford's best game and I'm glad he didn't have a lot to trouble him. His kicking was off.
 
O'Brien is a talent who should be enjoyed. Apart from letting the ball bounce early on, for which he got a roasting, he was terrific.
 
Mykolenko wasn't spectacular, but played his part in a solid defensive performance.
 
Tarkowski was immense and seemed to win everything in the air. I think the poor lad took one in the plums at one point but shrugged it off.
 
Branthwaite was improved again.
 
Gueye, once again, was magnificent. I am not sure what we'll do without him, but we need to think about it. The first player most of the others went straight to at the end.
 
Malanga was good alongside Gueye. They've struck up a sound relationship. I hope his injury isn't as serious as the manager suggested it could be.
 
Lindstrom had another good outing.
 
I am at odds to explain what has happened to Doucoure. He just can't seem to do anything right at the moment.
 
As for Ndiaye, just sublime and I love the song!!
 
I felt for Calvert-Lewin. It looked bad straight away, with the Brighton players around him going straight to his assistance.
 
Beto tries, but that is about it. I hope he gets a goal before leaving, because for whatever reason, there is something likeable about him.
 
Young did a job. I liked how he left balls if he knew they were running out of play. Some would say old and lazy, I call it experience!
 
Patterson didn't really get much chance to impact the game and I think at times we were playing with a back five.
 
Garner looked energetic and good when he came on. Maybe he's the one to come in for Malanga and hopefully Tim isn't far away.
 
A final word on injuries and added time. I don't like to see players go down and get injured. You could tell DCL was bad and also Malanga, but there were a few of our players who seemed to be going down to kill the game. No, you're just putting added time on the clock and that is bad for me. A couple of them got told to get up by the coaching staff.
 
So, a blast from the past. KITAK1. I don't think I can take much more of that. As Dave A said, when it comes off it's great, but it may not always do so, as it involves inviting trouble. That 2nd half was a tough and tense watch for me.
 
A quiet trip home, speaking with a family of Evertonians who lived a few stops from Brighton. My nervous adrenalin was still pumping by the time I got to London Victoria and I remembered I still hadn't eaten, so I sorted that out. We got the result through a resolute defensive stance in the 2nd half. It was important to get the points. Onto the crunch match with Leicester.
 
MotM. I'm going for two. I can't keep giving it to Ndiaye. For me, Gueye was immense. I could give him it for the entire period he was on the pitch, but I'll give him the first half. The second half has to be a defender, and that goes to Jake O'Brien. A real talent with a bright future. I just hope it is with us.
 
Respect to the travelling blues. Loud and proud.

Reader Comments (13)

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Derek Thomas
1 Posted 29/01/2025 at 07:13:23
Nice report Danny and an even nice 3pts, I'm still none the wiser as to what actually started the handbags.

When Moyes Mk1 was with us it was always KITAP(inch)1.
Moyes Mk 1 &2 and his predecessor always seem to me to be a mite too Keen to sit on a lead from 60+ Mins. thus testing not only the Law of Mr Averages, but the Law of Mr Murphy too...though it is good to have a lead to sit on for a change.

OK when it works, but they only have to be lucky once.

On to Leicester, I just hope that Moyes can keep their feet on the ground and not have a case of - After the Lord Mayor's Show

Ted Roberts
2 Posted 29/01/2025 at 09:42:57
Great read again Danny,always eagerly awaited.I could only listen to the game with Everton TV commentary,not my favoured option,but an option nonetheless,sometimes I find it a little less strenuous on the nerves as opposed to watching on the telly,especially when winning by a small margin and we’re opting to soak up the pressure.Reading some “click bait” a day or so later to find that the post match entertainment is under review by the FA, Any excuse to have a pop!!!!!!!.
Anyway…. Great result,gritty,resolute performance bringing the much needed rewards,just worried over the injuries sustained,depleting an already vulnerable squad.But we need to keep on plugging away,getting up the table where possible,big bonuses and little bonuses combined,every little helps.
Already looking forward to the next game,Leicester, and then my next visit to Goodison for the cup clash with Bournemouth.Keep up the good work Danny,and all travelling Blues,you make us proud to be Blue.COYB
Dave Williams
3 Posted 29/01/2025 at 09:57:23
Very entertaining piece Danny! Hope to see you at the Harlech tomorrow!
Mark Murphy
4 Posted 29/01/2025 at 10:12:41
What’s on at the Harlech tomorrow? Am I missing a game?
Jon Harding
5 Posted 29/01/2025 at 11:23:34
Enjoyable read, that, Danny O. Cheers
Kevin Molloy
6 Posted 29/01/2025 at 11:34:01
Great write up Danny. Not for nothing are Brighton called the Seagulls, they run that town. Scary thing is once one of them learns something eg how to grab pizza mid air, they all know it. Like the Borg.
Dave Williams
7 Posted 29/01/2025 at 14:30:03
Sorry Mark- I’ve been planning my food supply for Saturday and got carried away!
This happens at my age all too often!
Next game is Saturday…….isn't it??
Steve Brown
8 Posted 29/01/2025 at 15:03:36
Really good Danny.

Your articles are a great read and you always capture the details around the match-going experience very evocatively.

I loved the fact that there was a paragraph on the eating habits of seagulls in Brighton and Liverpool.

Mark Murphy
9 Posted 29/01/2025 at 16:02:35
Mr Averages, but the Law of Mr Murphy too

Errrr, ya wha? The law of Mr Murphy says if you predict, or even worserer bet money, on a Blues win it won’t happen! If I’d bet on Red Rum back in the day no one would have heard of him.

“A much more straightforward and closer journey for me this week.” Says the lad who told me he might not go as it’s too much hassle travel wise and who struggles to find Crystal Palace (it’s in South London and Danny lives in West London)…

Anyhows…
I was lucky in that my boy Joe had a rare Saturday off and I got us both tickets. We live just up the road so Joe agreed to drive to the Lady Mile pub on the outskirts of Brighton and we had transport booked from there.
The Lady mile is where the away coaches pause for refreshments so three big Happy Als coaches (they’ve gone all posh these days - beauties they were) turned up. My mate Jimmy - probably the most devoted blue you can imagine - not missed ANY game in 22 years - was on one of them so I got him to tell some tales to my lad to further Joes education. Big Shaun was in the bar - it’s his local - along with another ten or so local blues who I’ve met at various games. Shaun is a roofer - built like a brick shithouse with a broad “cockernee” accent and is a mad blue. Being a wool I asked him if he ever got stick for not being scouse and funnily enough the 6’4” angry looking roofer said never. Maybe it’s just jovial, bespectacled 66 year olds that scousers have a problem with?
Also there was Big Gareth. Gareth is six foot thirteen and looks like Tyson Fury with hair. Despite years of him calling me a wool, I found out recently that he’s from the Wirral, so I gave it back in spades. Funnily enough, 6’13” Gareth doesn’t get stick from scousers either…
Anyway. We boarded the two 8 seaters that Shaun had kindly arranged and got to the ground. I’ve been to Brighton loads of times and have always enjoyed the hospitality. Harvey’s bitter, decent burgers, the staff dressed in Everton tees, posters every where with our crest on welcoming us to the coast. Not any more - that’s all gone. Just another away end with shitty lager and sawdust burgers and miserable stewards.
I had good seats behind the goal (Danny, they are ALL padded mate, not just the home seats) and the atmosphere was exceptional. I wish we could generate this at home games. The first ten minutes I thought we were going to get battered as they flooded down their left and O’Brien looked shaky. IF we are in for Lamptey btw I’d be happy with that. But slowly and surely OBrien grew into the game and I’d have him vying with Gana Guaye for motm.
The game itself has been covered so I won’t go into it too much but I personally didn’t even realise we were down to ten men for the last 20 minutes.
I was at the 5-1 and it was a great result and day out but for some reason this beat it. I was also at Arsenal for the resolute 0-0 and I think the way we decided “they shalt not pass”, like Danny’s oft quoted Rourkes Drift, made it sweeter, especially as this time we defended a lead.
I stayed to thank our warriors at the end and then made my way to the minibus, wading through the remains of the Brighton crowd. They were all older than me (I’m 66 by the way) and moaning like fcuk. My son dragged me away from one bus that was leaving and giving me “fack off scarse cant” abuse as I stood in front of it shouting “Up the fcuking Toffees” laughing my arse off.
I don’t think we played great - I DO think we played it right. I doubt we’ll get away with that every week but, although I’m not a Moyes fan yet, I absolutely DO believe he’s more about him than Dyche and WILL have other plans for other games.
If I could just renew my former good relationship with God the Almighty and beg him to
Please bless and watch over Ilaman N’Diaye for the rest of the season please!
UTFT

Rob Halligan
10 Posted 29/01/2025 at 16:37:31
Mark, surprised you’ve missed off that you were belting The Goodison Gang song out on the concourse before the match, with particular emphasis on the “When you hear a copper shout, oi put the candle out” line. Sounded great coming from you! 😀😀😀
Danny O'Neill
11 Posted 29/01/2025 at 17:19:07
Mark, I forgot to mention a couple of things.

I too had a bit of 'banter' with a few Brighton supporters on our way to the station. They were in a proper bad mood.

I tried talking to them, but got a barrage of abuse. Youngish lads, they probably don't remember the Goldstone Ground and eventually an athletics track after selling up as they bounced around the division, occasionally reaching the dizzy heights of the second tier.

The cheeky shits took the piss when they started singing YNWA. Not the 'sign on' have a pop at scousers version, the actual YNWA by Gerry and the Pacemakers. I just laughed at them. although Rob did suggest further action should have been taken when I told him!

The other was agreeing with the manager's comment in his post match interview, saying the 2nd half felt like 2 hours. I know it did, I lived though every second and minute of it!!

Rob, blue flare and a candle for Mark for the Bournemouth match!!

Mark, who is travelling up with you?

My lad is coming and we're meeting my brother and nephew. Probably a last chance to get a photo next to the Holy Trinity, as we don't always all get to attend together.

Mike Gaynes
12 Posted 29/01/2025 at 17:21:07
Ah, Danny, that report was for the birds. (;-))

Mark, thanks for the laughs.

Mark Murphy
13 Posted 29/01/2025 at 18:38:44
Ah, Rob. Just after meeting you I got dogs abuse from Big Gareth’s in laws for saying that’s a shit song. Apparently, as it’s “part of our heritage” I’m not a proper blue for not joining in and supporting the team! I asked how the fcuk singing about the black out is supposed to drive our midfield forward and pointed out that Anfield is part of our heritage as well and that’s a shit hole!

Some people shouldn’t be allowed on the ale!

Danny, I live amongst them. They are twats with koppitesque arrogance and an unbelievably overblown sense of their own relevance in the league. I hope they go down again very soon. Can’t stand them. BTW, I’ve played a couple of vets games on that Withdean pitch.

I’m travelling up alone next Friday and staying the weekend in the outer reaches with my mud bloods, but meeting my boy for brekky at Maggie Mays before heading off to County Road. If your on an early ish train in give me a shout!

UTFT

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