North West Sussex Seagulls
Coach season tickets for 2012-13

NWSS first trip to the Amex - 30th July 2012

North West Sussex Seagulls was formed in July 2011 with the main objective being to transport Horsham based Brighton & Hove Albion fans to the club’s new home in Falmer at an affordable cost. The American Express Community Stadium has proved to be a big draw and has over 18,000 season ticket holders, many of whom live in the Horsham district. With Albion putting in a further 8,250 seats NWSS expect to see even more demand for coach seats from fans living in the local area. With this in mind NWSS have just released their coach seat prices for the 2012/13 football season. Coach seats are available on an ad-hoc basis but regular match goers should consider buying a coach season ticket as this is certainly the most economical way to travel to the Amex on match days.  Concessions are available for under 16’s and over 60’s.

Albion adopted a strong 'green' policy when they applied for planning permission to build their new stadium and have been encouraging as many fans as possible to get to and from the Amex by using environmentally sustainable public transport like buses, coaches and trains rather than polluting and clogging up Sussex roads with lots of cars. NWSS have transported over 1,700 fans to the Amex this season from Horsham, Southwater, Cowfold and Henfield. That's probably saved around 600 car journeys which have been replaced by 40 coaches which is very impressive. They have also laid on a second coach to accommodate Albion fans from the Billingshurst area. You could say that NWSS are very ‘green’ blue & white fans.

NWSS are an independent supporters club who organise their own low cost match day transport using Arun Coaches and are run by fans for the fans. They are a non profit making organisation and as a consequence can offer transport to the Amex from as little as £4.50 return.

They have made a donation to Albion In The Community, a charity scheme run by Brighton & Hove Albion FC for the benefit of Sussex based people who need help in all sorts of areas including adult education and employment. In addition NWSS has recently agreed to sponsor the Horsham Sparrows F C Under 12 girls side for the 2012/13 season as part of their commitment to support local youth and sport organisations as and when they have a surplus of funds and their aim is to be able to support other worthy causes over the coming years.

NWSS can be contacted by emailing info@northwestsussexseagulls.co.uk or you can telephone founding member Andy Stonestreet on 07738 085752. Alternatively find more information on the club website at www.northwestsussexseagulls.co.uk

The Late, Late Show

Albion 2, Cardiff 2
Wed 7th March, Amex Stadium

Albion had 80% possession in the first half but went in 0-0 at half time. Then Cardiff went ahead when Mason scored, 0-1. Brighton manager Gus Poyet immediately made a triple substitution to give Albion a bit of needed width by bringing on Craig Noone and Will Buckley (a good move). Ashley Barnes then equalised for Albion, 1-1. Two minutes later Cardiff's Whittingham scored a cracker with a brilliant volley from outside the box after Brezovan had punched the ball away, 1-2. Albion continued to press Cardiff in a search for the equaliser and were finally rewarded for all their hard work in the 89th minute when Sam Vokes put away a late, late goal. Final score: 2-2. Good game, good game. There you have it in a nutshell.

Albion seem to have a habit of scoring late goals and their desire to never give up is admirable. Although a win would have seen Albion move into 5th place and up into the play off play off places I think most Brighton fans went home happy to take the draw. Cardiff set out their stall early, were well organised and proved tough to break down at the back. The 2-2 scoreline probably satisfied Cardiff more than Brighton but the Sussex club are still unbeaten in the league in 2012. An average of two points a game for the final games of the season may prove to be enough to see Albion get a play off place but it's not a particularly easy run in as they face most of the top teams in the Championship. Exciting and nervy times ahead.

Home At Last!

Here’s a great YouTube video clip. From the historic Goldstone, through roofless Withdean to the magnificent Amex. Look out for that magical Stuart Storer moment, the last and most important goal ever scored at the Goldstone. Oh, and remember those thousands & thousands of Amex flags last August? Wow, what a fantastic and memorable day that was, it brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye just thinking about it. Brighton & Hove Albion...home at last. It's been emotional.

Albion Hit For Six!

Liverpool 6, Albion 1

FA Cup 5th Round, Anfield
Sunday 19th February 2012

Gus Poyet said after this match that it was a reality check for the team and the fans. He’s not wrong. Not many teams can say they went to Anfield, scored four goals and came away with a 6-1 defeat. Three own goals, some absolutely outstanding classy play from Liverpool, in particular from Steven Gerrard and the lively Luis Suarez who was everywhere, saw off Albion’s attempt to reach the quarter finals for the first time since 1983. Not many teams could have lived with Liverpool when they play like this, they passed and moved so quickly and had a real quality about them. Albion tried to play their usual passing game but there was a distinct lack of movement and quality, which was the difference between these two sides. This is the first time I’ve seen my team concede six goals and whilst it was not a pleasurable experience you could not help but admire the way that Liverpool played. At times rampant and unstoppable their second half performance was outstanding and Albion just couldn’t live with them.

For the first forty two minutes it looked like Brighton might get something out of the game. Albion went 1-0 down within five minutes of the start after Martin Skrtel headed in from Steven Gerrard’s corner. The Seagull defenders seemed to be too busy looking after the imposing figure of Andy Carroll in the penalty area to notice the glancing header from the Slovakian. Having suffered that early setback, which is just what Albion didn’t need, they bravely fought their way back into the game with some patient build up play and played their passing game quite effectively at times. They got their just reward when on 17 minutes Albion were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Liverpool area. Up stepped Kasenga Lua Lua who thumped home a shot of such ferocity that Pepe Reina couldn’t hold on to it. A brilliant goal that seemed to me like a carbon copy of the late goal he scored against Millwall in the 2-2 draw at the Amex last Tuesday night. Game on and the Albion fans were in full voice cheering their team on towards half time. A terrific goal line clearance from Inigo Calderon convinced the Seagulls fans that maybe, just maybe, we could get something out of this game. Just when it looked as if a 1-1 half time score line was imminent we saw the first of what were to be many defensive mix ups that resulted in a bizarre own goal from Liam Bridcutt. Heartbreak for Albion so late in the half but still not a disaster, little did Albion and their fans know what was to follow.

Craig Noone was brought on for the ineffective Will Buckley at the start of the second half for Albion but Liverpool stepped up a gear and every time they were awarded a free kick or corner you could sense the anxiety in the Albion defence. Albion fans held their heads in their hands for much of the second half as the onslaught continued. A goal from Carroll, two more bizarre own goals from Bridcutt and Dunk and one more from Suarez finally killed off the game leaving Albion and their fans begging for the final whistle. Liverpool even had the luxury of a missed Suarez penalty as Peter Brezovan in the Albion goal did brilliantly to save the spot kick and prevent further humiliation.

Although well beaten I felt that the score line in a strange way flattered Liverpool just a little, after all three own goals had never been seen in the FA Cup before and to their credit the Seagulls did continue to try and play their passing football game, not convinced that shutting up shop and conceding defeat was an option. Albion had a ‘may as well get hung for a pig as for a lamb’ mentality which I liked. Outplayed and outclassed? Yes. Lessons learned? Yes, for sure. This game showed how large a gulf there is between a newly promoted and ambitious Championship side and a top six Premiership side. If we had played as well as we know we can and Liverpool had an off day then perhaps Albion might have got something out of this game. It wasn’t to be and you have to acknowledge that the best team on the day won.

Despite the game and it’s result the Albion fans were absolutely magnificent throughout and didn't stop singing all afternoon, I was proud to be there and to be one of them. Even though we got narrowly beaten in a very tight game (well that's how I choose to remember it) we still managed to have a good laugh on the NWSS coach on our way home. It was certainly a day to remember in more ways than one. A big thank you to Andy at NWSS for organising the coach for yesterday's trip to Anfield. Thanks also go to drivers Hugo & Clive who got us there and back safely despite spending most of the return trip trying to overtake the Albion team bus along the M40. We managed to finally overtake the team bus with a window wave from the Albion defenders but I somehow suspect it wasn't the first time that day that the back four had been passed with ease.

A decent cup run comes to an end. It's been emotional.

Liverpool Here We Come!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
FA Cup 5th Round
Anfield, Sunday 19th February 2012

6,000 Albion fans will be heading north towards Liverpool this Sunday as Brighton & Hove Albion take on the might of Premiership side Liverpool in the 5th round of the FA Cup. It's a dream tie for the Seagulls and their followers who are hoping for a repeat of the 1983 cup run that saw Albion reach the final itself.

With a near fully fit squad plus two recent new loan signings from Manchester City (Abdul Razak & Gui Assulin) to choose from it will be very interesting to see which eleven players manager Gus Poyet picks for his starting team. Fortunately FA Cup rules allow seven substitutes rather then the usual five that are allowed for normal league games so Gus will be able to have some decent players sitting on the bench. I cannot predict his team selection, even the ever present Craig Mackail Smith has lost out in the last couple of games. Liam Bridcutt and captain Gordon Greer will surely start and the prolific Will Buckley must be considered but after that it's anyone's guess. The manager has such strength in depth now that it makes his team selection a double edged sword. He has an abundance of choice but some players will no doubt feel very disappointed and unhappy at missing out on such a big match, especially if it's scousers Alan Navarro and Craig Noone.

This is probably the biggest cup game in years for Albion and the fans cannot wait to get up there. It's going to be a massive day with brilliant atmosphere and all the Brighton fans will be decked out in their favourite Blue & White colours for a terrific afternoon. I only hope that the team play as well as they can and put up a decent performance, if they do play at their best then who knows what can happen. That's the magic of the FA Cup. 

I'll be travelling up on the North West Sussex Seagulls coach with my usual coach buddies and we are so looking forward to a big day out. My Albion scarf, shirt and lucky pants have all been washed and are laid out ready for the big day, match ticket has been purchased and the coach seat booked. Yep, I'm definitely ready. Anfield here we come.

I Know That Voice

Paul Carrack In Concert

Theatre Royal
Brighton

Tuesday 31st January, 2012

Only I could manage to buy a ticket for a concert on the same day that Albion play away at arch rivals Crystal Palace. That match ended in a 1-1 bore draw but this concert was far more entertaining. A well packed Theatre Royal welcomed Paul Carrack and his band of musicians to Brighton.

Whilst Paul Carrack may not yet be a household name his voice and songs are instantly recognisable. Whilst he is a solo artist he has also had spells in bands such as Ace, Squeeze and more recently as lead singer in the excellent Mike & The Mechanics. He's written and collaborated for artists such as the Eagles and been a session musician for many bands including The Smiths and The Pretenders. He has a voice that is distinctly unique, its so rich, soulful and expressive. 

Paul Carrack is an extraordinarily talented songwriter and a gifted musician, a real find for those that haven't seen or heard him before. It doesn't matter if he is singing up tempo soulful dance music with saxophone sitting beautifully in the background or performing a heartbreaking ballad, he sings with such consummate ease and plays keyboard and guitars in the same exemplary fashion. 

During this concert we heard some classic songs such as The Living Years, How Long, Tempted, Another Cup Of Coffee, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying, an achingly beautiful Eyes Of Blue, Love Will Keep Us Alive, Looking Back Over My Shoulder and What's Going On. All great songs, really well played and sung.

If you haven't got any Paul Carrack in your music collection you should be ashamed. Go out and borrow a CD from your local library or buy some of his music from your online store right now. Believe me, you won't regret it.

Set list:
It Ain’t Over

Just A Little Lie

Another Cup Of Coffee

I Don’t Want To Hear Anymore

Tempted

Better Than Nothing

Long Ago

Love Will Keep Us Alive

I’m Gonna Make It Right For You

Without You

Eyes Of Blue

Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying

The Living Years

Every Time That You Walk In The Room

That Girl Of Mine

Time To Move On

How Long

Encore:

Looking Back Over My Shoulder

What’s Going On

Albion Sizzle Against Brizzle

Albion 2, Bristol City 0: Amex Stadium
Saturday 14th January 2012

Inigo Claderon celebrates his stunning goal for Albion

Albion’s recent run of good form continues, after beating the league leaders Southampton 3-0 last time out they secured yet another valuable 3 points against a very predictable and rather disappointing Bristol City side at the Amex today. The Brighton first team squad is looking very thin on numbers at present due to suspensions and injuries which was a bit of a concern with many Albion supporters before the match. There are currently four players out with hamstring injuries when last season we had none. The club are investigating this and there is some suggestion that the Amex pitch may possibly be responsible for these injuries but nobody really knows if this is the case. However the returning Lewis Dunk to centre half alongside the ever reliable Adam El Abd with Inigo Calderon and Romain Vincelot as full backs gave Albion a solid looking back line. As it turned out they were never put under any real test from a very weak looking City side.

Yet another 20,000 plus attendance saw an absolutely brilliant goal from skipper Inigo Calderon in the first half from fully 25 yards. At first I thought that the forward thinking defender was intending to cross the ball into the box but it was clear from television replays later that he fully meant to shoot at goal, it was a simply stunning strike that gave the experienced David James in the City goal no chance.  Matt Sparrow and man of the match Liam Bridcutt were outstanding in the midfield areas with the lively Will Buckley looking a threat out wide. The Seagulls dominated for most of the game and it was no real surprise when the quick paced Buckley sneaked in late on to get Albion a second goal which killed off the game. City had only one shot on target that I can remember and that was literally the last kick of the game from a set piece which Albion keep Peter Brezovan comfortably saved.

The Seagulls now move up to 12th in the Championship table but are only four points away from the sixth place play off place, this is proving to be a really tight league where anyone can beat anyone. The only sour note for the Albion was on the injury front, yet again. This time it was Craig Mackail-Smith who went off with a really nasty looking eye injury in the first half followed a few minutes later by the ever improving young midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey who suffered a dead leg. We await news on both as Albion visit Wrexham on Tuesday for the 3rd Round FA Cup replay. It looks like some of the young development squad players may well be involved for that game. If victorious against Conference league leaders Wrexham then Albion face a fascinating and mouth-watering 4th round tie at the Amex on 28th January against Premiership side Newcastle. The Seagulls also face arch rivals Crystal Palace in the league at Selhurst Park on 31st January so it could be an interesting few weeks coming up.

Blimey, what a shiner CMS has!

The Magnificent Nine

Albion 0, Burnley 1: Amex Stadium
Saturday 17th December

Did Barnes go over the top?

Well blimey, that was an eventful match yesterday. I don’t think I’ve heard quite so much noise from the Albion fans since the opening match at the Amex against Doncaster, the fans were simply brilliant.

After a recent resurgence in form with three wins out of the last four Albion were back up to the fringes of the play off zone and looking to push on. Brighton got off to a bright start against Burnley and seemed intent on winning a game that on paper looked like it might be a pretty even match. However, an even match is exactly what it wasn't going to be. After six minutes the referee Craig Pawson stopped play whilst he consulted with the fourth official, he then marched with purpose across the pitch and inexplicably showed a straight red card to Albion midfielder Romain Vincelot. The Albion players and fans were incensed as no one seemed to have a clue as to why a red card was shown. This early on in a game most refs would have perhaps given a verbal warning or shown a  yellow card, but oh no, not this ref. Albion down to ten men but worse was to come.

If the Albion players and fans were angry then four minutes later they were positively raging with fury as the ref again showed yet another red card, this time to Ashely Barnes for what was, to be honest, a fairly rash challenge. Having seen the tackle for a second time on TV I have to say that it did look a little ‘over the top’, however the Burnley player was all over Barnes and grabbing him viciously around the throat, most referees would have seen that as retaliation and booked him as well. But oh no, not this ref. Mr Pawson certainly seemed to lose control of the match from the moment he spoke with the fourth official in the sixth minute when he sent Vincelot off and his refereeing just went from bad to worse. A clear foul on Albion winger Craig Noone in the penalty area went unpunished, a slap around the face to Albion's Adam El Abd was also ignored and just to rub salt into the wound Albion full back Tarrico was booked for justifiably complaining to the ref. So Albion down to nine men after ten minutes, let battle commence.

Burnley finally made their numeric advantage count when Kieran Trippier scored a cracking goal from 20 yards out. However, the Albion fans were now really starting to make themselves heard and were quickly becoming the team's tenth and eleventh man. When the teams appeared for the start of the second half the Seagulls fans were just brilliant, especially when singing ‘The Great Escape’ for most of the half. It was now a very exciting match and even though Albion played most of the match with nine men their defence was outstanding, in particular the returning Adam El Abd who epitomised the strength and mentality of the whole team.

As much as Burnley tried they just couldn't find a way through and I thought that they looked pretty weak up front, if Brighton had a full compliment of players I'm convinced they would have dominated play and easily beaten a poor Burnley side. Brighton had a late goal disallowed (no surprise there I suppose) and in fact Albion very nearly sneaked a winner right at the death when Craig Mackail-Smith was through on goal and only a goal line clearance prevented a well deserved equaliser. The final whistle eventually blew and the fans chanted that it was 1-0 to the referee, and they weren't wrong.

There is no doubt that this ref spoiled the game with his one sided refereeing decisions and he seemed to have it in for Albion after the sixth minute sending off. The one good thing to come out of the game was the magnificent support from the Albion fans, it was truly remarkable. It must have lifted the players who gave absolutely everything and they came so close to getting something from this match. The debate can go on about the rights and wrongs of the early sendings off but the the referee must surely be even handed, this ref was not. Albion should have had a penalty at the very least and it could be argued that Burnley should also have had a player sent off. It wasn't to be and we move on.

The match was lost in the tenth minute went Barnes went off but Albion sure did give a good account of themselves after that, if they show that spirit and togetherness for the rest of the season then they will be fine. A full match report can be found on the official Seagulls website here.

A final word here for Gully's Girls who looked just great in their Santa outfits for their pre-match dance routine. At least the ref didn't send them off as well!