Derby County 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 0
Albion drew away at Derby in the opening fixture of the season, just as they did at the start of the 2005-06 season.
Derby were the better team in the opening exchanges, with Tom Ince forcing a good save from David Stockdale.
Former Albion loanee Darren Bent also had a chance for Derby but put his header wide.
Before half time Beram Kayal had a clear chance but fired straight at Derby keeper Scott Carson.
Glenn Murray had his first clear chance for Albion. But his header from a Gaetan Bong cross went just over the bar.
Then Murray spurned an even better chance. Latching on to Steve Sidwell’s cross, Murray saw his effort charged down by the towering Jason Shackell. After 28 previous appearances and six goals, spanning 14 years, it was Sidwell’s first appearance as a permanent Albion player.
Anthony Knockaert had Albion’s final clear-cut chance of the match firing wide in the last ten minutes.
Just before the end Irish international Jeff Hendrick almost snatched it for Derby, then Will Hughes saw Stockdale brilliantly turn his shot away as it deflected off Bruno.
Albion deserved more and look likely to carry on where they left off last season.
But another experienced striker could make so much difference.
The Seagulls next take on Colchester in the League Cup this Tuesday (9 August) then Nottingham Forest next Friday (12 August) at 7.45pm. Both games are at the Amex.
