PORTSMOUTH v BRIGHTON NPower Championship, 13 August 2011 at Fratton Park Link to BBC Sport Prieview: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14429808.stm Pompey will be looking for revenge over their Sussex neighbours after going out to them in last seasonâs FA Cup. The last time these sides met in the league was in 2002-03, a season that saw Pompey promoted to the Premiership and Brighton relegated to Division Two (League One). The corresponding fixture resulted in a 4-2 win for Pompey on 31 August 2002. Who are Ya? Elected into the league in 1920, The Seagulls spent their early years exclusively in Division Three South, before becoming the divisionâs last ever champions in 1958. Since then they have spent most of their time in the middle two divisions, although they have played in the top and bottom tiers. Their lowest league finish was 23rd in Division 3 (League Two) in 1997 & 98. In 1997 they stayed in the football league on Goals Scored. Their highest league finish was 13th in the old First Division in 1982. A season later would see them relegated, but also FA Cup finalists, taking Manchester United to a replay. Honours: 3rd Tier (League One) champions 1957â58, 2001â02, 2010â11 4th Tier (League Two) champions 1964â65, 2000â01 Southern Football League Champions 1909â10 FA Charity Shield Winners 1910 FA Cup Runners-up 1983 Yesteryear In Brightonâs first league season (1920-21) both fixtures against Portsmouth resulted in 3-0 wins for the home side. Random Fact: Doncaster Rovers, Brightonâs first league opponents at the Falmer Stadium were also the last visitors to The Goldstone Ground. Current odds (Thursday morning) from SkyBet Pompey: 13/10 Brighton: 21/10 Draw: 23/10
I've got tickets to this game! How exciting, haven't been to Fratton since the game v Ipswich last year.
I would prefer you to win as Brighton will be rivals for the play off places - you are simply not good enough though.
I really thought we would win this one, or at least draw. Cotts and Gray have got some work to do.......... twice Lawrence had his head in his hands. Oh well, 44 games to go yet.
The best manager won. GP set his team up well and they ran out comfortable winners in the end - played as a team and with discipline. That said, I think Brighton will finish mid table, which is no disgrace. As for us, we were as ill-disciplined and seemed to have no plan B - just like last season. I think we will also finish mid-table - on fire one minute, dire the next.
We weren't that bad, just Brighton were less rubbish than us. Plus, the referee was awful, there were loads of challenges which shouldn't have been freekicks. One example was when a Portsmouth player was dispossessed yet somehow he he was the one committing the foul.
As a miserable old bugger I'm a bit worried about us gloating too much after two games, lets wait for the first Pompey - Saints game eh chaps. On the other hand I'd be interested in who from Pompey's side Saints fans would like in ours and vice-versa, keep it honest guys!
I'll admit the Ref didn't sound very good on the radio - very whistle happy and sounds like he made quite a few dodgey decisions - but Pompey didn't really test the Keeper or take control of the game until the match was almost over, and serveral players didn't perform. There a long way to go for Pompey to get our act together, hopefully it'll happen sooner rather than later. On a positive note - its sounded like Mokoena played a blinder, if only he were consistant.
Have to say though, liked the fact that everyone was given a free flag. The stadium looked amazing just before kick off when everyone was waving their flags!
