What went on at the Withdean?

Last updated : 01 February 2006 By Tony Scholes
Michhael Duff - back in the starting line up
There is little, if anything, I can think of that was positive about the experience other than the coach drivers getting us home at a far earlier time than I dared hope, I was back home having a cup of tea before 3:15 this morning.

When I first visited the Withdean in December 2002, I suggested it was hardly suitable for League football but this season we have been moved to a new vantage point behind the goal where the shot put area used to be.

I didn’t believe things could have got worse but there we were, sat over fifty yards from the pitch, hardly elevated, out in the open in very cold conditions, and all for £21.50. It was virtually impossible to work out just what was going on during the game once the ball got beyond the penalty box at the end nearest to us.

I have every sympathy for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, in the way they lost their ground, and have offered support to them more than once via this web site. But from a personal point of view I really would like to see them relegated to avoid this ridiculous venue – and I will seriously consider not bothering if we have to play there again next season.

This is without doubt the worst ground I have ever been to for league football and the section we were allocated last night, and other away fans have been allocated this season, is nothing short of a disgrace. The sympathy I am afraid does start to wear a little thin.

What can I honestly say about the game? Well certainly it was poor, from what I could make of it, it was nothing short of rank bad and I don’t recall either side really creating a chance of note.

Burnley defended the area of the pitch within seeing distance in the first half and apart from one weakly hit shot from the edge of the box I don’t recall Brian Jensen being asked to contribute during that first forty five minutes.

There again, there was certainly no more for Wayne Henderson to do after the restart, I think we had just a couple of shots off target during that period. Down at the other end, judged on the reaction from the much better placed home fans, I think we might have had a couple of narrow escapes.

We had three players yellow carded, John Harley, Frank Sinclair and debutant Michael Ricketts. Unfortunately that means Frank will miss the games against Ipswich and Wolves through suspension.

Man of the Match: We appeared to defend well enough so either of the two central defenders would be my choice.

No matter what happens on Saturday when Plymouth are the visitors, at least I’ll be back in a stand that affords me a view of the game.

The teams were,

Brighton: Wayne Henderson, Adam El-Abd, Paul McShane, Guy Butter, Joel Lynch, Paul Reid, Richard Carpenter, Dean Hammond, Alexandre Frutos, Gary Hart, Sebastien Carole (Colin Kazim –Richards 53). Subs not used: Michel Kuipers, Kerry Mayo, Jake Robinson, Doug Loft.

Burnley: Brian Jensen, Michael Duff, Frank Sinclair, John McGreal, Jon Harley, Wade Elliott (Chris McCann 80), Garreth O’Connor (John Spicer 89), Micah Hyde, James O’Connor, Graham Branch, Michael Ricketts. Subs not used: Duane Courtney, Danny Karbassiyoon, Gifton Noel-Williams.

Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridge).

Attendance: 6,267.