Seagulls Soar At Pompey

Goalscorer Craig Mackail-Smith

Portsmouth 0, Albion 1 - 13th August 2011:

Brighton went to Portsmouth looking for all three points to maintain the best possible start to their Championship season. Around 3,000 Seagull fans saw Craig Mackail-Smith put away his first goal in Albion colours right at the end of the first half. After a tough second half period Albion looked to be heading towards their first win at Fratton Park since 1985  when they conceded an injury time penalty after Lewis Dunk handled in the area. Thankfully Lawrence smashed the ball against the post and Albion went home with three hard won points that keeps them joint top of the Championship table. A full match report is available here at the Seagulls website. 

The only sad part of the afternoon was when Will Buckley went off injured in the first half with a suspected hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks. His replacement Craig Noone was again impressive when he took to the pitch. I predict that the pacey and tricky Noone could well become one of Brighton's star players this season, he already appears to be something of a fans favourite.

So, it's six points from two league games and currently joint top. Also through to Round 2 of the Carling Cup with a dream home tie against Premiership outfit Sunderland next Tuesday evening. A promising start to the campaign but a sterner test will surely come this Wednesday when Brighton play away at table toppers Cardiff City. That result will be a good indicator of Albion's progress in this league. Could it be a hat trick of wins? It's a tough ask without the impressive Buckley but it is actually possible. I guess we'll all know soon enough.