By Tim Hodges
Stockport County 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Lowly Stockport County started this match much stronger than the Albion.
County have a dreadful recent record and were still celebrating a recent nil all draw.
However, both Pilkington and Partridge caused Kuipers to make two superb saves, in the first half hour.
Soon after this, Albion’s wonderfully gifted Elliot Bennett steered a defence splitting ball just behind Nicky Forster, suddenly the chance came to the unsuspecting Murray, who rather scuffed his shot wide.
It was honours even in score at the interval. But the Albion were just winning the battle for meaningful possession.
Soon after the break, Kuipers continued his good performance with a smart stop from Tansey.
Stockport were again gaining the immediate upper hand and passing the ball around well.
As a result of this, great set up play by Richie Partridge, enabled Daniel Pilkington to score past Kuipers from fairly long range in to the top corner.
Poyet was then forced to respond.The obvious former darling of Edgeley Park, Liam Dickinson replaced fellow Stockport old boy, Gary Dicker.
Albion seem shell-shocked almost in denial about being a goal behind. They tried to continue with the free passing and possession approach, we are beginning to appreciate under Gus Poyet.
Carole then replaced Calderon around with around 10 minutes left as the Albion tried to increase their attacking prowess.
Although the Seagulls were having many chances mainly through Dickinson and Murray there was a growing frustration at the lack of real clear cut opportunity.
With the clock approaching 85 minutes Bennett swung in another great cross which Crofts look like he had converted, but the referee and his assistant disagreed.
Play really began to opened up, and almost on the counter attack Pilkington had a chance to double both his and Stockport’s contribution.
In the last two minutes Elphick hesitated and almost allowed Stockport’s Rowe in on goal but Kuipers was equal to it. From the resulting clearance an equally hesitant Forster managed, almost inadvertently, to set up Andrew Crofts, to equalize for the Albion.
A minute later Forster and Murray should have combined more effectively and would surely have given Albion all three points.
Injury time seemed to take nearly as long as the preceding forty five minutes. Elphick made a wonder tackle in the penalty area that had the home fans screaming for a penalty.
There were a few more frantic exchanges at both ends before our referee the not so mighty Mr Quinn, finally ended the match.
Albion – Kuipers; Calderon, Virgo, Elphick, Painter; Bennett, Crofts Navarro,Dicker; Forster,Murray
Subs – Brezovan, McNulty, Cox, Tunnicliffe, Hoyte, Dickinson Carole.
Stockport- Fon Williams; Mullins,Raynes, Swailes,Rose; Turnbell Perkins Vincent Pilkington;Johnson,Partridge
Subs – Tansey, Griffin,Rowe,Gerrard Halls,Edwards, Barnes.
Attendance 3636
