Sport

Newcastle Vs Brighton: Clash of the Titans

1 March 2017

By Joseph

League leaders Brighton were rocked by a late storm surge on the south coast last night as Newcastle put on a ‘Late Late Show’ at The Amex whilst wrestling over the top spot, which is now – once again – in the hands of Newcastle United.

Screen Shot 2017-02-28 at 22.18.48

One of the Championship’s most electrifying games started in the worst way possible for United as they once again fell victim to poor refereeing decisions. Although this time directed by Premiership referee and alleged Huddersfield fan, Bobby Madley, whose bias was immediately called into the spotlight when he awarded a controversial penalty to Brighton after a six-yard box struggle between Ciaran Clark and Glenn Murray which, if anything, was a compelling case for a Newcastle free kick.

After converting said penalty by sending Darlow the wrong way, it seemed as if a dagger was hanging over Madley’s head as he dished out a yellow card to Anthony Knockaert for handball after what appeared to be a genuine attempt at a header and aired on the side of caution after further penalty claims from the same man who was supposedly ‘fouled’ for the first penalty.

Having chosen not to bring on Aleksander Mitrovic in the second half – a decision which appeared questionable – his side began to rally behind their discerning boss as pressure mounted on the Brighton defence.

After pushing forward almost relentlessly for at least 15 minutes – during which time Daryl Murphy had a couple of opportunities to further his own goal tally against Brighton – Newcastle eventually opened up their opponents with nine minutes to go when the ball ballooned into the top corner of the goal off Diame in the most bizarre of circumstances after a mishit from Christian Atsu. Newcastle deserved their luck.

With momentum flowing freely and the decibels of the away supporters increasing, Brighton found themselves powerless to resist when a well-placed pass from Atsu found Perez in the box who ended the night with a well-placed finish to send the away stand into raptures. Shirts off and all.

The Toon Army’s trip to Brighton marked the first of three season-defining away games for the Magpies which still includes a trip to third placed Huddersfield and fifth placed Reading.

Having come to The Amex at a time when confidence was running low as a result of two frustrating 2-2 draws in three games, Newcastle United may well be retiring from the south coast home and dry.

Like this article? Please share!