retired_brinker317

Before the players returned though, there would be the moment that Fairway had been - well, not dreading, but somewhat apprehensive of. The board meeting, where Chairman Dick Knight and his fellow directors would make clear to the manager their ambitions for the coming campaign. For Fairway, it wasn't as bad as he had feared - again the board asked for promotion. The bad news came on the financial front - aside from the £55,000 due in July from Southampton for Joel Lynch, there would be no further transfer funds allocated, with the 'sweetner' that the wage budget would be upped to £35,000 a week, an increase of around £5000.

It's hard to know when post season becomes preseason - but a formal date is probably the unveiling of the fixture list, when fans across the country would be frantically scanning websites and the press to find out when they would face their rivals, who they had on Boxing Day - and, if they support a League One club, when they face the long, long trip to Carlisle away. For Brighton fans, the news was mixed - a difficult opening to the season, with Port Vale , who finished 7th last term, first up at home, then an early trip to one of the relegated clubs, and, probably, favourites for the title, Cardiff City , the following week. Boxing Day? "Sorry dear, the Albion are at Port Vale". New Year's? - no fixture on the first day of a new decade, but another away trip, Northampton , on the second. The season would finish at home again, to Millwall - and Carlisle away? - just about the ideal time, the first Saturday of April.

Fairway would also be welcoming no less than 14 players from the Youth ranks into the squad - and having watched several Under 16 games last season, he was pleased to see that his coaching team had picked most players who he would have done into professional football. There would also be players from abroad - Le Havre of France, now entering their sixth year of partnership with Brighton, offering three young prospects the chance to spend the season by the seaside.

The players returned - all of them fit, Fairway was pleased to see - for preseason training on Monday morning. The "Welcome back" chat this year was upbeat, positive, and Fairway was pleased to see that his squad were, without exception, raring to get going once again. Three faces also made an appearance who would not be part of the squad for the coming campaign - Joel Lynch , who came in to say his goodbyes, and the retiring duo of Guy Butters and Nicky Forster . Both, especially Forster, who bagged 35 goals in Fairway's first season at the club, would be missed, but with newly gained coaching qualifications, they would be working with the squad in their final week of playing contracts in a different capacity - hoping to learn and pick things up before hanging up their boots for the final time and looking forward to a new chapter in their footballing careers.

The fitness work, as always, came first - the training pitches at Sussex University in the shadow of the building work going on at the new stadium saw very little ball work on that first day, but instead plenty of running, fitness drills and preperation under the tutelege of Assistant Dean White , Head Coach Ian Chapman , Goalkeeping Coach Paul Crichton and Tactics supremo Karl Matthews .

Much to the player's collective relief, the bag of balls came out for the first time on Tuesday morning - simple passing drills, shadow play and defence v attack, 'overloading' mini-matches - the typical start of preseason training that every footballer, professional, semi-pro or amateur, knows and 'loves'. The rest of the week passed without incident - Fairway had made a concious decision to assess his squad formally on the first of July, when his three loanees from France arrived, so there was plenty of note taking and targeted training.

One thing particularly uppermost in Fairway's mind though was off the field - the contracts of the vast majority of his squad were up at the end of the season. In fact, of the nineteen players that made up his first team squad, just two - Sam Rents and Laurie Dalla Valle - were contracted to Brighton beyond June 2010. It was certainly something to think about.

Whilst Fairway considered his first team squad to number just 19, his senior squad as a whole was somewhat bigger, with several players who regularly made the reserve team being important to the squad. With several Feeder Clubs, Fairway liked to see his fringe players getting first team action elsewhere - especially those who needed to get first team football to help with their development. He didn't tend to get too involved with the day to day running of the Under 18 or Reserve sides - the first team was his domain, with Dean White and Vic Bragg in charge of the second string and youngsters respectivley. Sending youngsters out to gain experience, was, however, something he did take an active role in, and spent much of the weekend in contact with clubs to see if there was the opportunity of temporary moves for some of those younger players.

Whilst preseason had started on an up, on Monday morning, there was a blow. Taking the first team to use the gym at the University, Fairway was alarmed to see reliable 'keeper Michel Kuipers double over in pain midway through a Weights session. A scan was hastily organised, which resulted in the news that Kuipers would be out for up to a month - a strained back muscle, rather than a tear, which was a blessing, but still bad news - the Dutchman would struggle with stretching for both high and low balls, and was simply out of contention for the majority, if not all, of the warmup matches.

Come Tuesday, there would be a further - and this time, perhaps even more crucial, blow - captain Dean Hammond turned an ankle - he too would be out for around three weeks. The midfielder was perhaps one of Brighton's most important players - never really a match winner in terms of goalscoring - he had hit just three goals in Fairway's two seasons at the club - but vital in the midfield 'engine room', providing the foil to the more creative Kavinapour.

shannon2007

The seagul is back :cool:

Usual high standard Stuart, it's almost like old time

retired_brinker317

Ah, Old times... :cool:

Cheers mate :thup:


The month of July would begin with three new arrivals - and the formal departure of two. Nicky Forster bade farewell to Brighton after his retirement, and Joel Lynch posed in his new Southampton shirt for the press. Those coming in, the loanees from France - all three being introduced to their new colleagues and the local media at the Withdean Stadium. It wasn't a blow in Fairway's mind that this would be the last season of League football at this council-owned athletics track - 'Fortress Withdean' was simply not fit for league football, and he looked forward to welcoming next season's new arrivals - should things work out this season - at the new Community Stadium in the suburb of Falmer.

With notes being taken throughout the opening couple of weeks of preseason, and the first game of the 2009/10 campaign on Saturday, Fairway took time out on Wednesday to complete his squad report. It was one of his key traits - preperation, preperation, preperation, to misquote a former Prime Minister, being, in his eyes, absolutley vital if the club were to realise their goals for the coming season.

Goalkeepers

Michel Kuipers - 33 - Holland

Kuipers, out injured for the first month of the new term, has been a fixture in the Brighton first team for 9 years now. Since his arrival from Bristol Rovers, Kuipers had been through all the ups and downs that the club had - widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers outside the Premiership at times, but now, at the age of 35, perhaps on the wind down from a very successful career that began late after his stint in the Dutch army.

John Sullivan - 21 - England

A local lad, Sullivan had to live with the 'Hot Prospect' tag since before he signed Pro Forms with Brighton back in 2004. Since Fairway's arrival, he has been principally a backup player, with several positions on the substitutes bench, but no first team action. Now, with Kuipers getting on in years and the possibility that the Dutchman would miss the opening matches of the season, he would have a golden opportunity to cement a first team place.

Also in squad; Chris Winterton (20), Daniel Britton (17)

[b] Defenders - Fullbacks [/i]

Right

Andrew Whing - 24 - England

Andrew Whing signed for Brighton after a successful loan spell from Coventry City in the same season that Fairway took over from Dean Wilkins as manager. 94 matches later, he was considered a key part of the first team - a combative player who, as well as his defensive role, could get forward, and frequently did, overlapping to provide good crosses.

Adam El-Abd - 24 - England/Egypt

Egyptian-born El-Abd first broke into the first team reckoning at Brighton as a teenager - a gritty, determined character, his main strength is his versatility, with the ability to play in the centre of defence or in a midfield holding role. Will be looking to push on this term.

Also in squad; Steve Cook (18), Simon Jeffreys (15)

Left

Sam Rents - 22 - England

Local boy Sam exploded into the first team at the age of 18, regularly deputising for Kerry Mayo on the left of defence. A strong tackler, blessed with good concentration, his main role is breaking up attacks down the right, but, like Whing, he is comfortable coming forward as well. Chipped in with 7 goals last season from free kicks, and on his way to replacing Mayo as one of the most popular Brighton defenders in recent times.

Kerry Mayo - 31 - England

Now coming towards the end of his career, Kerry is a true legend - he made his Brighton debut way back in 1996. A one club man throughout his career, always reliable and dependable, his was a signature that Fairway desperatley wanted to secure for a couple more seasons earlier in the summer. Will work and graft all afternoon.

Sonny Cobbs - 20 - England

Cobbs is perhaps unfortunate in that he broke through at the same time as Sam Rents - still to make his first team debut as a result. His bravery and never say die attitude ensures that he remains popular whenever he turns out for the reserves - but he will want to make the breakthrough sooner rather than later.

Also in squad; Wayne O'Connor (15)

Defenders - Central

Adam Hinshelwood - 25 - England

A fine reader of the game, Adam is in his ninth year as a professional at Brighton. Now Vice Captain, he is rated very highly by all at the club. Strong in the tackle and good in the air, Hinsh is a player who recovers well from setbacks, and leads from the back of the field. Phenomenal positionally, and always likely to cause a threat from set pieces at the other end of the field.

Tommy Elphick - 21 - England

Elphick is likely to benefit the most from the departure of Joel Lynch - a young defender who has recovered well from accusations of lapses in concentration early in his career. Not the quickest, but always likely to be in the right place, this could be a crucial year for him.

Saydou Ketia - 20 - France (1 U21 Cap)/Mali

One of the loanees from Le Havre, Saydou is a tall, stocky player who is good in the air. According to the files from Le Havre, he is fairly blinkered at picking out a pass, but has a great engine and will run himself into the ground. Needs to improve technically, but will have a part to play.

[i] Also in Squad; Sam Bartley (16), Nick Lee (17), Scott Smith (16),

Midfielders - Defensive & Central

Micheal Spillane - 20 - Ireland

20 year old Irishman Spillane arrived from Norwich City in Fairway's first season as manager. A combative ball winner, he sits in front of the defence and is both a defensive and attacking lynchpin - breaking up attacks and distributing the ball to start counters. Summer interest from Championship clubs, and could be on his way in the near future.

Dean Hammond - 26 - Brighton

Club Captain Dean is just coming into his prime - a grafter who can create chances as well as break up attacks, his role is one of the most crucial in the team. A good passer of the ball, and a one club man to boot, his engine is vital. Will be missed whilst injured.

Gary McCalister - 17 - Scotland

17 year old youth team graduate Gary broke into the first team last year after being promoted from the youth academy - a ballwinner, Gary is still a little raw, but is gritty with a an aggressive, determined streak, and never gives up. Very young for a player of his position, and very much still learning his trade, but definatley one for the future.

Kane Willis - 19 - England

Kane is yet to really feature in the first team - a couple of substitute appearances over the past two seasons - but has a big future at the club. He is similar in style to Dean Hammond, but is perhaps a little more creative - technically excellent, as well as possesing bags of pace. Should stake a claim this season.

Tommy Fraser - 21 - England

Tommy, grandson of famed 'Celebrity Villan' 'Mad' Frankie Fraser, takes after his Grandad in many ways - on the field, at least. A hardman, he is never afraid to stick a boot in, and will work his socks off in a congested midfield. Last season he played sporadically, but reliably, and this season could move position to the centre of defence with the midfield likely to be a highly competitive area for selection.

Also in Squad; Kyle Appleby (15), Lee Byrne (16), George Preston (17), James Stewart (16)

Midfielders - Attacking

Hamed Kavianpour - 30 - Iran (65 Caps/4 Goals)

Iranian international Hamed made an instant impact midway through the 2007/08 season after signing in January. A goalscoring, creative, free-roaming midfielder, he is equally likely to pop up out wide to cross or in the box to prod the ball home. Technically the best player in the squad, loved by the fans and a dead ball specialist.

Walter Centeno - 34 - Costa Rica (96 Caps/15 Goals)

Eyebrows were raised when a 32-year old Walter arrived on a free from Costa Rican champions Saprissa as Fairway's first aquisition, but since then, he has gone on to become a legend at Brighton. Rangy, a good passer of the ball and with great vision, Walter scores spectacular goals. His star is perhaps slightly on the wane as he has lost a yard or two of pace over the past season, but still netted 13 goals last season, and always likely to be in the right place at the right time.

George O'Callaghan - 29 - Ireland

Arrived permanently last summer after a successful loan spell from Ipswich, George found it hard to break into the team with the form of Kavianpour and Centeno. However, he is a grafter, and equally keen to play on the flanks or in the middle. When on form, a matchwinner, and a great bench player.

Also in Squad; Paul Mullins (16), David Bowyer (16), Naboune Ben Fardou (19 - Loanee)

Wingers

Laurie Dalla Valle - 17 - Finland (4 U21 Caps)

By trade, Dalla Valle is an attacking midfielder, but after phenomenal performances for the Reserves and Under 18's since his arrival very early on in Fairway's reign, exploded out of the stiffs and into the first team last season wide on the right. Works his socks off, is superb when running with the ball, outreagously quick and owns a box of tricks straight out of the Cristiano Ronaldo locker, there is no reason why he cannot become one of the greatest Finnish players in living memory. A fantastic talent.

Demar Phillips - 25 - Jamaica (25 Caps/2 Goals)

The 'pocket rocket' of the team, Demar is phenomenally quick, and could have been a professional sprinter. He covers ground and is often the outlet for optimistic, lofted balls on the counter. Not the best in the air at just 5' 6", and occasionally outmuscled by defenders, but on his day, a superb asset.

Reuben French - 19 - England

Another left sided player, young Reuben has the potential to do well. His scampering pace isn't in the same league as Phillips', but he can still confuse defenders. Needs to work on his final delivery.

Also in Squad; Marco Mitcheslager (19), Steve Brinkhurst (17), Matt Ellis (16), Paul Brown (16), Grant Edwards (16), Terry Langford (16), Francis Llewellyn (16)

Strikers

Bas Savage - 25 - England

Powerhouse forward Bas is perhaps the ideal targetman - great in the air, strong, hardworking and a good first touch. Not perhaps the most mobile of forwards - although his pace is decent - and occasionally let down by his finishing on the floor. Still, 27 goals last season, and many of those crucial ones.

Jake Robinson - 21 - England

'The Denton Destroyer' - Brighton's 'great hope' since Bobby Zamora left, has only found his shooting boots in the past three seasons. Technically strong, a real goal poacher who, despite his shortish stature, isn't bad in the air either. Will no doubt move on one day, but, for the moment, equally useful to have up front or, using his pace, out wide.

Scott Prince - 19 - England

Prince is rather an apt name for the young striker - arrived from American side Ogden Outlaws, who he was playing for whilst at University in the States, he is viewed as the long term successor to Bas Savage. 6' 4" and great in the air, but let down a little by his distribution and tendency to drift out of games. Often used as an impact player, his 5 goals last season all came off the bench.

Wesley Ngo Baheng - 19 - France

The third of the loanees from Le Havre, and another straight out of the Bas Savage mould. Apparently good in the air and lethal in the box, if he turns out as good as Le Havre have suggested, the competition for places up front this season will be strong.

Also in Squad; Frederik Torbjornsen (16), Mick Mullen (16), Mike Rutherford (16), Jason Bradford (16)

With his squad writeup completed, Fairway would also spend time talking to the younger players as a group who would be spending the season away from Withdean. He emphasised to them that it was an opportunity, not something to worry about, and that they would return to the club and compete for their places in the first team as better players. Blue Square South side Bognor Regis Town would take George Preston and Reuben French , Ryman League outfit Burgess Hill would take Nick Lee and Steve Brinkhurst , Worthing , also of the Ryman, would take Steve Cook and James Stewart , whilst The New Saints of the Welsh Premier League would have promising Austrian Marco Michetschlager .

retired_Splendido

The is a excellent story

Cannot believe you are running all those leagues what is your computer specs?

KUTGW

retired_w0lfpack1

It leaves him time to write when he presses Continue. KUTGW, d_S!

retired_brinker317

Cheers - Amaroq (Cheers, btw ) has it pretty much right, I tend to do other things (browsing the web, listening to music/radio) whilst playing FM, so pretty much every 'continue' is taken up with other things.

AMD 3500 XP and 2 Gig DDR Ram though.

retired_brinker317

Saturday morning dawned fine and bright - the piercing sun through his window telling Fairway that not only was it summer - the day of the first preseason friendly had arrived.

Worthing v Brighton - Preseason Friendly - 04.07.09

Brighton First Half (4-1-4-1); Sullivan, Whing, Rents, Hinshelwood(*), Elphick, Spillane, Fraser, Kavianpour, Dalla Valle, Phillips, Savage

First Half

By the time kick off came around, however, the sun had faded a little, with clouds coming in off the Channel, driven by a rather ferocious, gusting wind that took the edge off the summer temperature. Brighton started well, and after a succession of corners and a Fraser shot that 'keeper Breckin did well to hold at the second attempt, Albion took the lead on 27 minutes. The wind was really playing it's part, and when Demar Phillips lofted the ball into the right hand channel from the other side of the pitch, the pace of it took the Worthing defence by suprise. Laurie Dalla Valle was onto it in a flash, and, cool as you like, lobbed the onrushing Breckin with a brilliantly classy strike. Savage's drive over the top a few minutes later was somewhat unlucky, whilst Phillips was guilty of snatching at an effort from wide on the left after another wind-assisted through ball.

Brighton Second Half (4-1-4-1); Winterton, El-Abd, Mayo, Smith, Ketia, McCallister, Wills, Centeno(*), Robinson, Ben Fardou, Ngo Baheng

With Brighton making 11 changes at the interval, the game dipped a little, with the wind again taking centre stage - Ngo Baheng seeing a headed effort fly wide on 55. Five minutes later, the same man created the play, dropping deep to release Robinson down the right hand side of the box, who crossed for Walter Centeno to scramble the ball over the line from close range. Worthing began to come out of their shells, encouraged by a messy El-Abd clearance on 72, and four minutes later, pulled one back through Mark John , who took advantage of a slip by El-Abd inside the box after Brotherton had put the ball in. The home side then really took the initiative, taking the game to Fairway's men - after Winterton had been caught out by a lofted through ball 10 minutes from time, Worthing sub Wright should have done much better than slamming the ball against the woodwork. Brighton were rocked by this - and when Centeno won a free kick some 35 yards out with a minute to go, Gary McCallister proved in no mood to mess about - it was helped by the conditions, but a tremendous strike nonetheless, the ball flying into the net to kill off the Worthing resistance.

Worthing 1 - Brighton 3

Press Statements

Danny Bloor - Worthing Manager

"It was a typical preseason friendly in that both sides went through lots of players, and that, as well as the weather, made it a little disjointed. Still, I was pleased with our passing game and delighted for Mark to score"

Stuart Fairway - Brighton Manager

"We really had to work for our result this afternoon, the weather didn't help either side and Worthing used the ball well. Laurie (Dalla Valle) scored a phenomenal goal, and Gary will remember his free kick for a long time as well. It's hard to pick up on much else, we've not dealt with conditions like that for a long time, but it's nice to get the win.

Attendance; 1078

retired_brinker317

No training session on Sunday, but the typical task of late - informing a club that their interest in a certain young Finn was not welcomed. Barnsley this time came in with a £130,000 bid. Yes, Fairway countered, Brighton could get three or four new players with that money, but none of them, and probably, the combined abilities of them all, would have the potential, the sheer enthusiasm, that Laurie Dalla Valle possesed in abundance.

With Hailsham Town up next, it would be a quiet couple of days before the short trip down the A27 to Fairway's home town.

Hailsham Town v Brighton - Preseason Friendly - 08.07.09

Brighton First Half (4-1-4-1); Sullivan, Whing, Rents, Hinshelwood(*), Elphick, Spillane, Fraser, Kavianpour, Dalla Valle, Phillips, Savage

Fairway would name an unchanged side for the clash with Hailsham - a side still labouring in the Sussex County League despite occasional promise over the past few seasons. The Beaconsfield was a ground Fairway knew well, and on a warm, sunny summer's evening such as this, it was still a pretty little venue for Football, despite almost total lack of investment since the late 1990's. Brighton were quickly out of the blocks, with early chances for Rents and Phillips, before Tommy Fraser slammed the loose ball beyond a resolute 'keeper McKenna from the edge of the box on 23. Four minutes later, Hamed Kavianpour , probably the best player to grace this tiny ground in living memory, netted after a neat through ball. Brighton were well in command by now, and on 35, a pinpoint, first time, pass from Savage allowed Demar Phillips to slot home the third. Hailsham did manage a couple of corners towards the end of the half - McNish having a headed effort well held by Sullivan, but as the sides went in for the half time interval, the scoreline was very much as per the form book.

Brighton Second Half (4-1-4-1); Winterton, El-Abd, Mayo, Smith, Ketia, McCallister, Wills, Centeno(*), Robinson, Ben Fardou (Sub O'Callaghan 73), Ngo Baheng

11 Changes at the break, and then, on 57, a shock - Sam Connors beating Winterton with a powerful free kick that flew high into the roof of the net. Brighton's slightly inexperienced second half side were really struggling to get into the game, and after Ben Fardou limped off with a knock to be replaced by O'Callaghan, another shock - another cheap free kick given away in front of the box, and this time John Lewis stepped up to embarass Winterton. The second - and a rocket from the touchline - forced the Brighton players into action. McCallister linked up well with Ngo Baheng, and the Frenchman put the ball past a flat-footed Hailsham back four for substitute George O'Callaghan to knock the ball home from close range. It was comfortable now, and Brighton could have added a fifth - but in injury time, teenager Peter Ashley slotted home, again past a woefully positioned Winterton, to bring the scoreline close in terms of numbers, if not quality and distribution. A lucky escape?

Hailsham 3 - Brighton 4

Press Statements

Kenny McCreadie - Hailsham Manager

"Well, what can you say about that? - I'm so pleased with the lads. OK, we were a little fortunate with the first free kick, but we fought hard and gave players - international players - a real fright"

Stuart Fairway - Brighton Manager

"That second half was shambolic. We were awful - it's always a risk when you play, as we do, on the counter, but I really thought that we would have enough quality. Fair play to Hailsham, they gave us a scare and looked good at times. We've got work to do on the training ground after this"

Attendance - 1090

retired_brinker317

Fairway tore into his players on the way back to Brighton - usually, after a friendly, they could expect a half day of training the following day. This time though, there would be nothing of the sort. Some players - Kavianpour, Savage, Rents - the majority of those who played in the first half - would be exempted from the ear-bashing, but the others thoroughly deserved it.

After seeing the efforts of the players in training - much improved - Fairway chose to have a quiet word with Chris Winterton as the rest of the players drifted away. He could see the young 'keeper had seen his confidence damaged after conceding four goals in 90 minutes of football against Non League opposition. The dust was finally considered settled on Friday morning - the efforts of the players had not gone unnoticed, and Fairway was convinced that a far better performance would follow against Torquay United on Tuesday evening.

Saturday would see Fairway travelling north, to Scotland, to have initial discussions with a potential new signing. Some Albion fans, according to local media, were becoming worried with the lack of summer arrivals. This, in the managers' opinion, was ridiculous - still early in July, and still with players to come back. Despite this, he had his eye on a couple of players - evolution, not revolution, the byword for his planned squad strengthening.

As another weekend dissolved into another Monday morning, Fairway continued to clock up the miles on the hunt - he had already met and offered deals to three players, and had just one or two further

names in mind to sound out. With transfer funds non existant, any arrivals would have to be those out of contract at other clubs.

Torquay United v Brighton - Preseason Friendly - 14.07.09

Brighton First Half (4-1-4-1); Sullivan, Whing, Rents, Hinshelwood(*), Virgo, Spillane, Fraser, Kavianpour, Dalla Valle, Phillips, Savage

In comes Virgo for Brighton, onto the bench goes Elphick, and out altogether - for the moment - goes 16 year old Scott Smith. Fairway didn't expect a great many away supporters to travel to the 'English Riveria' on a July Tuesday night, but, the ranks swelled no doubt by a few holidaymakers from Sussex, a solid mass of around 200 or so Albion fans occupied the away area, giving returning hero Virgo a rousing reception in particular. They would get an early reward too - Tommy Fraser hitting a shot which 'keeper Behcet could get a hand to, diverting it into the net, after 9 minutes. The visitors were knocking the ball around well, and creating chances, but on 17, a slip from the usually reliable Whing allowed Harpal Singh to run on and slot beyond Sullivan, who had come out well to narrow the angle. Nine minutes later, the pass and go football that had brought Brighton their opener would put them back ahead - breaking up a Torquay move on the left, Fraser played the ball into the channel for Phillips to run, pull back, and allow Bas Savage a simple far post tap-in. Chances continued to flow - Brighton were knocking the ball around really well, with Savage, Kavianpour, Della Valle and Phillips, the latter with an angled drive that was crying out for someone at the far post, all having chances.

Brighton Second Half (4-1-4-1); Winterton, El-Abd, Mayo, Elphick, Ketia, McCallister, Wills, Centeno(*), Robinson, Ben Fardou, Ngo Baheng

An early confidence boost in the second half saw Chris Winterton hold a Benyon shot from inside the box, while Lee Phillips was wasteful for the home side ten minutes later. Brighton took a while to get into the swing of things, but with Centeno his usual busy self, the visitors looked in command. The Costa Rican fired a free kick over on 67, but in general, Brighton were content to knock the ball around and dominate possession in the midfield third. Benyon again should have equalised on 77 - Winterton making a good save - before Brighton began to turn on the style. Robinson benefitted from a wonderful Centeno pass, but could only hit the side netting, before hitting the bar three minutes from time. Frustratingly, deep into injury time, Ben Fardou was again the victim of a rather agricultural challenge, as he had been against Hailsham Town, and was forced off right at the death.

Torquay 1 - Brighton 2

Press Statements

Paul Buckle - Torquay Manager

"Tonight was our first preseason friendly, our first match since the end of last season, and it showed - we were more than a little rusty up front. Both Elliot (Benyon) and Lee (Phillips) could have done better in front of goal. Harpal (Singh) took his goal well though, and overall, I'm pleased. We set about the game the right way, and given a little more match practice, will be winning games like this"

Stuart Fairway - Brighton Manager

"That was much better. We created bags of chances, and in the first half especially, really knocked the ball around well. I would like to see us scoring more goals, obviously, but this was our most challenging friendly to date, and we came out of it with a positive result, which is always nice to see. At this stage of preseason, I would say we are 85-90% where I want us to be going into the opening day - I'm still looking at a couple of players, but we've still got two key members of the squad to come back"

Attendance; 1012

retired_manragh

Great read d_S, your up nice and early posting this one, what is 7.30 in the morning your time