Brighton & Hove Albion 3 QPR 0
By Tim Hodges from the Amex
Albion reclaimed top spot in the Football League after cruising to victory against Queen’s Park Rangers.
The Seagulls could end 2016 as the Football League’s top club, 20 years after they were rock bottom of it. A victory against Cardiff on Friday would ensure a poignant and superb turnaround in the club’s fortunes.
Albion went ahead in the 11th minute. Dale Stephens wove his way towards the Rangers defence and played and excellent ball to Sam Baldock who side-stepped Nedum Onuoha and lashed the ball home from 20 yards.
Rangers had been equal to Albion up to this point and dominated most of the rest of the half.
Massimo Luongo and Idrissa Sylla forced David Stockdale to make two excellent saves.
Gaetan Bong had a rare effort on goal and Glenn Murray headed wide from five yards out when superbly placed to double Albion’s lead.
Albion finished the half strongly. Stephens and Anthony Knockaert both saw efforts go close. Knockaert’s free kick landed on the roof of the net.
The Seagulls were much quicker to close Rangers down as the second half got under way.
Solly March was giving former team-mate Grant Hall plenty to think about.
March broke clear down the left but his cross was cleared away from the six-yard box as Albion struggled to get players forward.
Then March worked an opening for himself only to see his shot saved by Alex Smithies when one on one.
The rejuvenated Knockaert was running at the Rangers and causing James Perch some hard work.
As Albion pushed, Stephens tried to seize on a loose ball in the box. Luongo just got there first but clattered Stephens to the ground.
Referee Keith Stroud, who seems to be at the Amex even more than Sky presenter Peter Beagrie, had no hesitation pointing to the spot for Albion’s third penalty in the past two home matches.
