By Tim Hodges from the Amex
Brighton and Hove Albion 1 Reading 1
Michel Kuipers, who played in goal for the Albion from August 2000 through to May 2010, said a belated farewell to Seagulls fans in his testimonial match at the Amex this evening.
The big keeper, known to fans as the “Former Dutch Marine”, finally made his debut at Albion’s new home. And after 10 years of representing the club he was at last able to experience being greeted by the home crowd with Albion’s traditional and vocal support in the north stand behind his goal.
Kuipers with number 287 on his back, to signify his Seagulls appearances, was given a rousing reception by the 8,000-plus crowd, who were further delighted when the big Dutchman made one of his trademark point blank saves, as he denied Pavel Pogrebnyak from close range.
Soon after, and dead on 15 minutes, he was replaced by Tomaz Kuzsczak.
Albion dominated for long periods of the first half with Vicente Rodriguez again being most influential.
Ashley Barnes, again upfront alone in the absence of Crain Mackail-Smith, was causing an experienced Reading defence, which included Ian Harte, a few problems.
It was Barnes who won Albion a penalty in the 33rd minute and this was confidently swept home by Vicente to put Albion 1-0 in front.
Just before half time, and after good work from Adam Le Fondre down the left, the Royals’ Pearce headed wide from almost underneath the crossbar.
Albion went in at half time 1-0 in front and leading Premiership opposition at the break for the second time in three days.
In the second half Albion replaced an increasingly lacklustre Vicente with Norwegian Toby Agdestein and from then on lost much of their creative drive.
However, just before being replaced, the former Spanish international had picked out Lewis Dunk in the penalty area, but the young defender couldn’t get enough power to direct his header past Royals keeper Adam Federici.
As the game wore on Reading looked increasingly likely to equalise and they did with just seconds left to play as Hal Robson-Kanu got on the end of Leigertwood cross to head Reading level.
But it was Kuipers’ night. He was applauded by the Albion fans as he took an emotional lap of honour around the Amex at the final whistle.
Albion: Kuipers; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Calderon; Bridcutt, Dicker, Crofts; Vicente, Noone; Barnes. Subs: Kuszczak, Brezovan, Ankergren, El-Abd, Sparrow, Harley, Vincelot, Agdestein.
Reading: Federici; Cummings, Pearce, Gorkks, Harte; McAnuff, Guthrie, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu; Pogrebnyak, Le Fondre. Subs: McCarthy, Shorey, Mariappa, Hunt, McCleary, Morrison, Tabb, Church.
Referee: Dave Phillips (West Sussex)
