The first goal was very disappointing, it was the same as the goal Hereford scored on TV in the FACup, a corner crossed outside the box and the player volleyed it first time, didn't really connect properly but it went through defenders/attackers and Kuipers never had a chance.
We looked very weak upfront and Webb must learn to stay on his feet. 10 bookings for a player who has hardly played is not good. He battles for the ball, puts himself about but IMHO lets himself down by diving. He was fouled a couple of times after he had been booked, but was never going to get the decision. The Oldham defenders were clearly annoyed with him, as were the Oldham fans and all it did was make them more determined to beat us.
2nd half and Zamora coming on for Webb (who would have soon been red carded anyway) changed the game. Pethick was my MOTM, and I thought if we can get the equaliser we can go on and win because we were dominating the match.
Zamora floated a header on to the bar, he then set up Harty with a bit of individual brilliance, but Harty couldn't beat the keeper in a head to head. Once he missed that Oldham knew if was going to be there day. I couldn't understand Rogers being subbed, he wasn't too happy either, but Junior 'Flip flop' Lewis played OK when he was on.
They scored a cracking free kick and that was that, but sadly not. Zamora was put free on the side, the full back barged him off the ball and tugged his shirt. As the ref flashed the card he appeared to walk but then the Ref made clear it was Zamora who was off.
As for the Oldham Police, they were a disgrace. I don't know what started it, but once they ejected one, that should have been it. The stewards actually calmed it down but then the 'Hitler' policeman in charge steamed back in, pushing people out the way and ejected 2 more. They were bang out of order and even the other officers with him were taken back. I was very close to lumping the t*at but luckily saw sense, but he was so out of order, he thought as a Policeman he could do what he wanted and the good thing is other Brighton fans made sure he couldn't. What a complete w*****r.
After the game we had fun and games with the trains, ended up with an hour in Wigan as we missed our connection, drank in the Star and Railway and met some West Ham lads and had a good few beers and a good laugh. One of them had been ejected for standing up! He has been watching West Ham for 30 years but hates the whole concept of the Premiership and said his days of watching football are numbered! Sad, when genuine supporters feel pushed out of supporting a club.
We must WIN tonight, and anyone know what has happened to Steele?
Also we heard rumours of a dressing room incident at Oldham, anyone know the facts?
Mark R