Cheltenham - Home, Withdean Era
Season 10 (H) 4/10/08 - 3-3 ~ Murray 3
Going into this fixture, Micky Adams second revolution wasn't exactly rolling opposition over. Unfortunately Brighton had slipped into mid table after useful opening results to '08/9 season. The trouble was we hadn't yet won at home and those last two league matches had been debacles at good old Withy. There were some injury probs and illness to first choice selections but the squad generaly didn't appear strong enough. A couple of pacy wingers, Joe Anyinsah and Kevin Thornton were introduced on loan, then Robbie Savage came down to try third tier footy on 24k a week. It certainly provided a talking point. It was a wet afternoon and to put an extra damper on things Falmer wasn't gonna be opened until 2011 - oh, what the fu...
First of all we scored when Murray (1m) nodded in virtually from k-o. Second of all Cheltenham equalised almost from the re-start (2m). This fixture had hardly settled down before Albion went ahead again. Forster set up Murray (7m) to tap in. Just before half time Town levelled again when netting a sensational 25yard volley after a corner (45m). In the second period Murray completed a hat-trick (47m) by heading home a Thornton cross. On 85 min Robins saw red after being denied a penalty, which was bad luck. On 94 min Town snatched a point when going for broke up our end. Savage was class, Thornton a live-wire and Murray deservedly kept the ball. It was a pity we appeared a tad hesitant and perhaps too deep at the back. That's football for yer! This was very average League1 and Albion needed to be better.
Kuipers, Whing, Elphick, Hawkins, Richards, Virgo, Savage (Fraser), Livermore, Thornton (El-Abd), Murray, Forster.
League1 P 9 . W 2 D 5 L 2 . F 12 A 13 . Pt 11 Po 14

Season 9 (H) 19/2/08 - 2-1 ~ Murray, Lynch
Ten days after going to their place, they came to Tongdean Lane and brought 35 with 'em. A crowd of 4395 was lowest ever to date for any League turnout on a cold but dry evening. The pitch was quite ok although a run of frosty nights made it a tad hard. Town were better placed since FAC/JPT events and almost got away from the drop zone. Albion were dropping like a stone down this division after poor form since Xmas & New Year - just like last year. Wilkins excuse was injuries decimated his squad and new boys needed to gell. Brighton fans would say we'd actually lost the plot and couldn't keep it clean let alone score a couple regularly.
Cheltenham led from 3 minutes when striking from distance. Brighton huffed, puffed and fluffed when a brace or more of chances went begging. Core support got unsettled and our first half display was booed off the park. Wilkins went 433 with two changes after the break to get some momentum going forward. It didn't make any difference for well over another half hour. Robinson came on and started runs down the right. Lynch booted a ball down the middle and Murray got through and netted. He then 'dissed' celebrating faithful who'd previously been critical of strikers. He'd now got 3 goals worth 100k each. Two mins before stoppage, following a corner Ref awarded BHA a goal when a Lynch header 'crossed the line'. After all that had happened between these two sides, there'd been more twists than a pulp fiction footy paperback. You really couldn't make it up. Wilkins had got out of jail but deep down with support drifting away, he knew he just had to stop the rot or face Mr Knight with a P45.
Kuipers, Whing, Elphick, Butters (Lynch), Richards, Bowditch (Robinson), Thomson, Mayo (Fraser), Cox, Murray, Forster.
League1 P 30 . W 11 D 9 L 10 . F 38 A 33 . Pt 422 Po 14

Season 9 (H) 20/11/07 FAC1R - 2-1 ~ El-Abd, Hammond
First of all it rained 1st half. Second of all, 2nd period was dry. Brighton should have been out of sight by then but only led 1-0 half-time, from an 18 min El-Abd header at a corner. It may have been a wet night but in front of only 3700 punters, Albion were on fire in the opening 45. The pitch was perfect and drained water quickly, so could not be blamed for tardy finishing by Seagulls. Wilkins had put out a strong unit again against Town, who musta been sick of the sight of us - see other reports here!!
Robins seemingly robbed us a tad over the hour mark when, as we sat back and invited 'em on, Kuipers got stranded as they beat off-side. It was a kick up the back-side Albion needed and Forster got a break two min later. At pace he was 'decked' in the area, albeit appearing clear of his marker. Hammond belted in the penalty. Cheltenham were unlucky not to level again, following an in-off the bar incident, as they hit back. Ref mighta give it but Lino floored 'em in raising his flag. So they got nowt, while we'd got the breaks and squeaked into round2 after 3 hours footy. Overall it wasn't justice at 3-2 but hey, who's moaning?
Kuipers, Whing, El-Abd, Butters (Lynch), Richards, Robinson (Martot), O'Callaghan (Fraser), Hammond, Cox, Savage, Forster.

Season 9 (H) 14/11/07 JPT QF - 4-1 ~ Martot, Forster 2, Savage.
It was a cold evening but dry yet again and nearly 2500 got along, which was a half decent crowd in a season of low turnouts so far. B'ton had played Cheltenham at Whaddon Road the previous Saturday in FA Cup round 1, gaining a draw to go into the R2 hat at least. Wilkins tinkered with this JPT line-up, giving a chance to 'fringe' bods and benching regulars. Lynch came back from injury but Cotswolds goal hero Loft picked up one in training. There was media hype about Wembley but in the northern section, League 1 clubs had been put out by Lg 2 rivals, so this was not a cut and dried result or competition.
On 13 min Martot smashed home a clearance back thru a crowded area. After 36 min he crossed for Forster to head home and Albion had taken control. Just before half time Town hit back on the break, following a bad miss by BHA to kill 'em off. Wilkins shook it up a tad second period and B'ton eventually cruised through. Forster ran on for a third at 87 min. Savage tapped in during stoppage minutes added. Seagulls had shafted Robins but they'd not gone down without some sort of feeding frenzy. We needed to be tighter next k-o.
Kuipers, El-Abd, Butters, Lynch, Richards, Martot, O'Callaghan (Whing), Fraser (Hammond), Cox, Elder (Savage), Forster.

Season 8 (H) 9/12/06 - 2-1 ~ Hammond 2
It had been a wet autumn at Withdean but the pitch was coping quite ok and surprisingly, fans had escaped the worst of gale force winds and rain during home matches. Wilkins was putting out more or less and unchanged side and had been getting results in Cups and improvement in league games. His lg1 record before k-o was even steven with 6W/L apiece and 2D in 3 months. The paying public wasn't exactly filling the place but hey, ho-ho - things can get a bit skint around here before Xmas.
Cheltenham worked hard to prevent Brighton's free flowing, attack minded mf and front men pouring forwards - in an early attempt to bag the points. Nil-nil at half time was testimony to their game plan in action and they actually appeared a half decent outfit. A second 45 min saw us score within 5 from a Hammond header at a Mayo corner. We shoulda killed 'em off but at present wasn't totally within this ultra young side's capabilities. Town got back in it, to punish a B'ton lapse and game on again. At the death Albion were counter attacking big time and Revell won a penalty when rushing thru. Hammond converted and kept his nerve well, while supporters had almost lost the plot.
Henderson, Whing, Hinshelwood (Hart), Lynch, Rents, Fraser (John), Hammond, Mayo, Cox, Revell, Robinson.
League 1 P 21 . W 9 D 3 L 9 . F 29 A 31 Pt 30 Po 10

Season 2 (H) 16/9/00 - 3-0 ~ Watson, Wicks, Zamora
After an initial season establishing at Withdean and consolidating in the 3rd division, Brighton fans had expectations of a successful 100th year. Problems of a very recent paranoid past certainly seemed confined to history. However, four losses out of the first five matches, including a home LC defeat to Millwall had left a residue of schizoid symptoms. Micky Adams kept faith and sanity, to then steer Albion to four unbeaten. It was time to push on.
Cheltenham were challenging Chesterfield at the top but Adams knew it was to be a 'marathon not a sprint'. Nobody wins anything in September, though Seagulls won this contest convincingly to continue their climb. The difference between these ambitious outfits was evident in quality of football. Albion ramped it up and wanted it, big time. Wicks headed home, Zamora struck from edge of the area and Watson converted a penalty. Job done, end of... Des Lynam and six thousand Sussex Saturday punters went home happy.
Cartwright, Watson, Cullip, Wicks, Mayo, Rogers, Carpenter (Steele), Oatway, Jones (Brooker), Hart, Zamora (Crosby).
Div 3 (League 2) P 8 . W 4 D 1 L 3 . F 14 A 10 . Pt 13 Po 4

Season 1 (H) 25/9/99 - 1-0 ~ Rogers
Steve Cotterill received a warm welcome from Brighton fans and this after only appearing a few times for Albion as a loan player. His Cheltenham outfit had recently risen from Dr Marten's league, via Conference and had won an FA Trophy to boot. They came to Withdean and must have wondered if our upgraded 'sports complex' was really up to Southern League status. In those early days it was still all a bit of a novelty. We'd only played four at home and found a free cagoule in blue or white on the seat that first rainy day. It gave the south stand a striped effect when viewed from the 'dry side'. A good many season ticket holders would find their personal all weather gear less than waterproof by the time autumn rains set in.
B'ton were finding their feet on the field after euphoria and disappointment from results in equal measure. There certainly were sensational victories this season and also some defeats that seemed hard to explain. A goalless draw appeared to be on the cards here to maintain a sort of mid-table mediocrity but it's never over er, 'til it's over'. The fat lady was about to sing praises of a close fought contest, when she coughed and we had stoppage before it could be stopped. Watson slung over what was to become a trademark cross. Rogers netted to reveal how an attacking midfielder could win games on the late, late show.
Ormerod, Watson, Cullip, McPherson, Campbell, Freeman, Rogers, Aspinal, Wilder, Hart, Newhouse (Thomas).
Div 3 (League 2) P 9 . W 4 D 2 L 3 . F 19 A 11 . Pt 14 Po 7

Cheltenham - Away, Withdean Era
Season 10 (A) 24/1/09 - 2-2 ~ Forster
Both outfits occupied dangerous drop-zone spots and anyone of four from seven bottom clubs appeared for the possible plunge into League2 at this stage of proceedings. Albion were on an atrocious run of form and Micky Adams got to duck and dive through constant sniper fire. Even the poet in residence had a go, although he too was right there in the front line for this fixture. It was a half decent day in midwinter and 500 away fans attended. There was also racing up at Prestbury if you only fancied catching the second half. Adams had gone with the side who got done by Leeds, with support from a squad now finally getting free of injuries. It was shit or bust time.
Brighton were a goal down by 7 minutes, when conceding from a punt thru our very crowded area. The rest of the first 45m were best forgotten. Adams swapped around for second period antics and Virgo went up front. Albion upped it and began to play in cohesive manner. Against run of play, Town doubled their lead (58m) from a corner. For some reason Robins went all defensive and only employed counter punches. Seagulls began flying and though it wasn't a pukka air display, looked a fair formation. Forster headed us back in it (78m) as BHA pushed toward their fans. There was a bit of argy bargy and Ref showed yellows as Town all but hung on to the points. Very late in stoppage, Hinshelwood got his barnet on to a Cox corner and we'd got one back off 'em. Brighton fans exploded with last gasp excitement as the ball sailed in. There was a mass hug with players and engulfed stewards. Quite a number of people received kisses. No names or addresses because a lot were strangers anyway.
Sullivan, Virgo, Elphick, Hinshelwood, Whing, Birchall, Fraser, El-Abd (Loft), McLeod (Cox), Fleetwood (Livermore), Forster.
League1 P 25 . W 5 D 9 L 11 . F 29 A 38 . Pt 24 Po 20

Season 9 (A) 9/02/08 - 1-2 ~ Robinson
Back again in Spring-like Gloucestershire but we'd slipped in League1 and they'd gotten better. Over 650 B'fans occupied the away end and some musta been from a lot closer than Sussex. B'ton had new boys Murray (300k) and Thomson on show, while several fringe players were injured and didn't travel. Hammond, Revell and Elder had been sold and BHA was looking to strengthen if only via on-loans.
Cheltenham were clear of the drop zone, although still dangerously close. It should have been a warning not to expect another win too easily. By the interlude, Albion had got thru a dreary 45 min of third tier third rate footy. After the break Robinson put us one up on the break. Everything looked set for victory as we missed chance after chance. On 90 min Town were still in it and had begun reversing a trend. In stoppage they levelled by going route one. Moments later they'd won it, again carving us open down the middle. B'ton had pushed up going for a second winner but paid a huge price. The fixture was left too open when we shoulda been winding it all and the clock down. Wilkins boobed with tactics, subs and a counter attacking style. He was in the same boat as a year ago and BHA progress was faltering after only 3 wins from 13 fixtures since last in a p-o place.
Kuipers, Whing, Elphick, Butters (Gatting), Richards, Robinson (Fogden), El-Abd, Thomson, Cox, Murray, Forster.
League1, P 28 . W 10 D 8 L 10 . F 36 A 32 . Pt 38 Po 14

Season 9 (A) 10/11/07 FAC r1 - 1-1 ~ Loft
Brighton were doing well in the League 1 table and occupied a p-o position. Cheltenham were bottom of this division and had only won once at home all season. There was every reason to expect a straight-forward advance to round two, with hope of visiting big-boys in r3. Wilkins had one or two injury problems but there was enough strength in depth this term to select a side capable of victory. About 500 fans travelled, on a Saturday when Horsham and Eastbourne Boro represented Sussex at home.
Robins were on the back foot from word go, while Albion battered 'em with early chances created as we ran amok. How one, then another opportunity to convert and take the lead wasn't actually taken, is a strange but true story of this tie. Teams went to the break at nil-nil and B'ton should have buried weak opponents by then. In the second period Cheltenham hit back and made a game of it. Albion reverted to route one from footy on the floor and a replay appeared inevitable. Thirteen minutes from time locals were happy and visitors sad, when red and white scored. Wilkins introduced subs in 433 shape and went for broke. He was forced to instill some more effort for a final push and at least level. Loft notched from a clearance in time added on, so we went into the draw by skin of proverbial tips.
Kuipers, Whing, Elphick (Butters), El-Abd, Richards, Robinson (Elder), Fraser (Loft), Hammond, Cox, Savage, Forster.

Season 8 (A) 5/5/07 - 1-1 ~ Elder
In a tortuous run-in Albion had lost five in a row, going into this 'holiday' last day encounter. So with nothing to play for in a mediocre season to say the least, there was actually some motivation - not to lose. Cheltenham drew a half decent crowd, as they were on cloud nine having beaten the drop. Over 1000 Brighton fans arrived from all points N, E & S to swell a party of sorts on a 'summers' afternoon. The only fly in the sun-ointment was a greasy Ref, who made up a draw to suit down-cast home fans, before it all ended in tears. Brighton fans didn't get too worked up - we'd seen 9 wins on the road and that was quite ok for p-o form. Pity about the 21 losses dragging us back to earth.
Kuipers, Elder and Elphick made appearances from a reserve side who had just won their Combination division. Kuipers made several good saves to keep us in it after half time. Elder headed an opening goal on 23 minutes and might have had more from a string of crosses into the box. Elphick done good but was harshly treated for a 'handball' incident. Town converted the very late penalty and justice was done Ref style. We gave Albion a super send-off, they gave us shirts and smiles and Ref gave us nowt all over.
Kuipers, Rehman, Elphick, Butters, Rents, Hart, Bertin, El-Abd, Cox (Fraser), Revell, Elder.
League 1 P 46 . W 14 D 11 L 21 . F 49 A 58 . Pt 53 Po 18

Season 2 (A) 17/2/01 - 1-3 ~ Cullip
For over three months since November, BHA had either won or lost, home and away. At the halfway stage to end of year 2000, their interim record was P 23 W 15 D 3 L 5 Pt 48. They went into the match across in Gloucestershire still averaging over 2 points per game, which would be enough for automatic promotion if so maintained during '01. On the way to Whaddon Road the team coach broke down. It was perhaps an omen for a difficult day following. Cullip scored early on with a trademark header but things went from bad to worse against 10 men. Cheltenham upped the ante and got three goals against a five-man defence. Something was misfiring and not just the proverbial engine. Subsequently, Cartwright, Wicks and Freeman didn't start again that term. Adams didn't want to make excuses, instead offering a typical philosophical comment - 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail'.
Cartwright, Watson, Cullip, Crosby, Wicks (Jones), Mayo (Brooker), Freeman, Rogers (Hart), Carpenter, Oatway, Zamora.
Div 3 (League 2) P 29 . W 18 D 3 L 8 . F 45 A 24 . Pt 57 Po 2

Season 1 (A) 23/10/99 - 0-0
As you can imagine Whaddon Road isn't a purpose built modern stadium. In '99 it was less so. There is an end terrace where 1200 or so away supporters can squeeze in. Albion took nearly 1400 to witness a no score draw just under a month since a similar 90 min at Withdean. The difference was not a late 90+ B'ton winner but a sending off. Freeman got his toe early in the spa bath after stamping on a guy's foot. Both sides finished with 10 men after Robins also lost a man second half to two bookables. At least people saw red versus blue stripes like previously and enough turned up to make punters half believe it could be an exciting div3 contest. Adams thanked magnificent Seagulls' devotees and must have been pleased at least his travelling crowd responded to motivation. He realised there was one hell of a job to do to mould an experienced but diverse squad into a winning unit. There would be a lot of tinkering, repairing and replacement needed in order to try and reach a play-off spot.
Walton, Cullip, Carr, Crosby (Johnson), Campbell, Freeman, Rogers, Oatway, Aspinal (Thomas), Hart (Cameron)
Div 3 (League 2) P 14 . W 6 D 4 L 4 . F 21 A 12 . Pt 22 Po 11