We can't keep losing at home
We LOST at Withdean - AGAIN.
It is not a laughing matter. We didn't score. We gave Millwall a goal. We lost 1 – 0. It really isn't funny anymore.
The facts tell it all. Played 12 League One games at Withdean this season - won 2, drawn 2, lost 9.
In summary we were as good as Kenny Jackett's Lions but they scored once and we didn't.
It had been an even, hard-fought game until five minutes into the second-half. Arguably Adam Virgo has been our best defender in recent games since regaining his place in the team. Adam will want to forget that moment on 50 minutes as he dwelt on the ball and was caught in possession with no cover behind.
The Lions' centre-forward Steve Morison dispossessed Virgo and ran unchallenged at the Brighton goal.
He rather easily rounded Michelle Kuipers and passed the ball into the empty net.
This season we are always seem to be unlucky at Withdean. Poyet made his trademark brave substitutions in a vain attempt to get something from the game. Dean Cox, Liam Dickinson and Chris Holroyd, making his Albion debut, came on.
As time ran out chances were created but agonisingly slipped away. First Tommy Elphick met Elliott Bennett's corner firmly. We were up on our feet as Millwall's keeper David Forde was beaten. But almost unseen Chris Hackett on the line headed clear.
We trudged away from Withdean moaning about our atrocious home performances. Amazingly we didn't drop into bottom four but remained stuck in 20th spot. It is all very frustrating as three points would have sent us up to 14th equal.
After the game Poyet was defensive of Alan Navarro. Knowing that many see Navarro as anonymous in midfield he praised the player, subbed off for the second half.
So why can't our Seagulls perform at Withdean? OK, it is not a proper football ground. But it is the same for both sides and it was once 'Fortress Withdean'.
There were 6,610 there on Saturday including 829 supporting Millwall. So only 5,781 Albion fans, which is less than travelled up to Aston Villa the week before. The crowds are unsurprisingly poor because of our results and because of the stadium and atmosphere, or lack of it.
There are several other reasons including the lack of cover and tickets.
But I'm afraid the blame must be with the players.
They up their game for the big ones like Villa. It is said that we are too good to go down but we will unless the home performances improve. Perhaps Poyet's pre-match motivation needs improvement or a team of psychologists or psychiatrists should be employed?
I do suggest we start games as we end, by attacking rather than sitting back.
Being left glum after Millwall it is good to drive past Falmer and know that the new stadium is on schedule!
Saturday sees us at Leyton Orient for another six-pointer.
We can do it!
Ray Eggleton.
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Weather for Lewes
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
