Albion 0 - Woking 0 (FA Cup, Round 1): The first round of the FA Cup saw non league Woking get a well deserved draw against an under par Albion side. Gus Poyet made six changes to the starting line up to give some of his squad's fringe players a game against a side that they really should have beaten, at least on paper. The rain arrived yet again at a soggy Withdean and the crowd got yet another soaking but this time there was no real entertainment on the pitch to keep them happy. Woking had clearly done their homework on the way that Albion play and harrassed the home side and defended in numbers, sometimes with a back line of six players. Brighton found it difficult to break through Woking's stubborn defence and didn't really get their usual passing game together. Unusually for Albion there were too many stray passes and they got caught on the ball too often. Although the stats will show that the Seagulls had all the possession I don't recall too many shots on target for them. Woking, who had terrific support throughout from their travelling fans, worked hard and got their just reward with a replay in ten days time at Kingfield. That game is being broadcast live on ESPN by the way so if you're one of the few people to subscribe do let me know cos I'll come round to yours and watch the match on the telly with you! Albion need to up their game and play with more conviction in the replay if they are not to be on the wrong end of a cup upset.
FA Cup draw, Round 2: If Brighton do win the replay and get through to the second round they will face yet another non league side from the Evo Stick League (yep, you read that right!). A home draw would see Albion play FC United from Manchester which could be another potential banana skin. They beat League One's Rochdale away in Round 1 so let's not take anything forgranted. Current Blue Square Premier leaders Crawley Town have a dream home tie against League One side Swindon. Everyone loves an underdog, that's the magic of the FA Cup for you.
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