Ravens view of Sheffield Wednesday 2 Brighton 1

Last updated : 31 March 2004 By Mark R

We met up with our mates from Selby and Southport but moved on as the Sheff Wed mob arrived and being a "Blade" our mate didn't fancy hanging around the "Pigs" as the Wednesday fans are affectionately know by United fans.

We got to the ground about 2.45 (yes we made kick off for once) and joined the long queue to get in. Hard to judge numbers in such a large stand but I would have said 1,500+ (possible 1,800?) and we made loads of noise.

The only noise from Wednesday fans was the sad band! (hope they aren't in Sweden tomorrow, or if they are the other side of the ground to us!)

The match, well 2 great goals on the first half, and some good football played by both sides.

Cullip gave away a free kick on the edge of the box and Brunt curled the free kick into the top corner, leaving Roberts rooted to the spot.

Carpenter then scored a cracker. 25 yards out and into the top corner leaving the orange tango man (Pressman in goal wearing orange) diving after the ball was already in the net.

Second half and we started brightly, playing football and not seeming to be missing Cullip who had gone off at half time. Then for no obvious reason we started defending deep, hoofing the ball out, engaging again and again in head tennis and generally gifting the ball to Wednesday.

Then in the last 5 minutes we suddenly sprang to life again. Jones had a good shot saved, Leon had 2 efforts and we were pushing for the winner. Wednesday then had a quick break, they piled forward and Robbie Mustoe toe pocked in the winner in the 90th minute.

Gutted.

I can't understand McGhee being happy with the 2nd half so why no subs? Why bother signing Reid and then leaving him on the bench. Why not change it about a bit?

We were out played in midfield for the majority of the second half, yet McGhee let it continue!

Roberts - 7 some good stops and no chance with either goal
Harding - 7 defended well, his toughest match so far this season
Virgo - 7 as above
Cullip - 7 recurring hamstring trouble had him off at half time
Butters - 8 another superb match (will he get a new deal?)
Oatway - 5 over run
Carpenter - 5 great goal, not such a good game though
Jones - 6 created several chances
Lee - 5 never really in the game and gave away the ball too often Knight - 5 not really in the match and almost got himself into trouble at the final whistle
Iwelumo - 6 some nice touches, but the service was dire
El-Abd (on for Cullip) - 7 looks more and more promising every match

McPhee, Reid, Kuipers, Piercey all unused!

Knight and Cullip were both booked again, they must now be close to a suspension.

Mark R