SLIDESHOW: Brighton Marshall-ed to draw with Cardiff

Brighton didn’t draw with Cardiff on Tuesday night. They drew with David Marshall’s gloves, two gloves, wonderfully used by a wonderful keeper.
Brighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela BrinkhurstBrighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela Brinkhurst
Brighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela Brinkhurst

Living up to his status as being a truly stunning keeper Marshall taunted the Albion as shot after shot was palmed away by the Scott. It has to be said Brighton were good, although not great. Better than against Blackpool, and when you consider the opposition they were playing, fans won’t feel too aggrieved with the performance. However, the result wasn’t much to shout about, they should have won the game relatively easily. Winger Kazenga Lua-Lua had three chances to score for Brighton in the first 15 minutes of the game. His first two shots were both powerful efforts that couldn’t find the target, while his third found David Marshall stopping well with his hand.

In the 20th minute meanwhile, Brighton got the games opener. And what an opener it was as right-back Bruno hit a looping volley across goal to beat Marshall, it was a moment of class from the Spaniard who had a great game going forward.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nevertheless, the post-goal singing of Bruno’s name hadn’t even stopped when Cardiff’s equaliser went in only a minute later. A long ball up from Fabio in to the box was nearly met by an onrushing David Stockdale who was well off his line. This was a fatal error as big man Kenwyne Jones beat Stockdale to the ball to loop a header over the keeper in to an empty net.

Brighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela BrinkhurstBrighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela Brinkhurst
Brighton v Cardiff. Pictures by Angela Brinkhurst

Brighton came very close twice within the first six minutes of the second half. To begin with Joe Bennett’s header from close range was tipped round the post by Marshall only for Lewis Dunk’s downwards effort from the resulting corner to be met yet again by the in-form keeper.

Cardiff then came close to going in front when David Stockdale had to produce a fine stop against Anthony Pilkington, somewhat making up for his previous error. Garry Gardner came close from range twice, but on each occasion Marshall thwarted his powerful drives.

Bennett was again denied as Brighton’s pressure failed to break the resolute keeper with the game finishing as a one all draw. Middlesbrough will be the Albion’s next test at home and with a little more luck in front of goal, fans will be optimistic of three points for the Seagulls.

Photographer Angela Brinkhurst was there to catch the action.