Damage in the Box!: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (AMEX Stadium)

For the second weekend in succession I watched Wrexham in action, though today it was a break from the league as they travelled south to Brighton for an FA Cup 3rd Round tie.

When the draw was made back in December, this game was a real no-brainer as far as I was concerned. I needed a visit to Brighton to re-complete my visits to all 92 Premier and Football League grounds and, combined with cheap transport and easily obtainable tickets, it meant I was on my way to Sussex.

After 12 years, The Seagulls finally have a ground they can call home. The clubs' troubles have been well documented and, after the controversial sale of the Goldstone Ground, they ground-shared at Gillingham before moving back to Brighton to play at the Withdean Stadium. The Falmer Stadium (or American Express Community Stadium, to give it's sponsored title) was officially opened last July with a game against Spurs. It currently has a capacity of around 22,000 but there is plenty of scope to increase this as and when necessary.

The club were able to celebrate their new home with promotion to the Championship, where, after a good start, their results have now started to level out. Wrexham, who after experiencing similar difficulties with owners, are enjoying a good season where they are currently top of the Conference Premier. Its these shared problems that led to a common bond between the fans, as both helped each other in their respective hours of need. Indeed Wrexham fans made a presentation prior to game as a thank you to their Brighton counterparts.

...and Smith must score!

The game itself had all the makings of a potential upset, especially after The Dragons beat League One Brentford in round two and with Brighton making six changes from their last league outings there was always the chance.

Brighton nearly scored inside the first minute but, after that, the first half soon settled down and was a pretty even encounter. Both sides had half chances to take the lead, but nothing that seriously tested either goalkeeper. The best of said chances probably fell to Wrexham when a last gasp intervention prevented Joe Clarke from prodding home, with the goal at his mercy.

Brighton took the lead within 90 seconds of the re-start when Kazenka LuaLua crossed for Jake Forster-Caskey to shoot home. Brighton started to dominate the play but Wrexham kept their shape, and kept playing their game, and were rewarded on 62 minutes when Adrian Cieslewicz picked the ball up just inside the Brighton half went on a mazy run, beat a couple of defenders before firing home, via a deflection, to level the tie and send the 2029 travelling fans into rapture.

The Beast on the attack for Wrexham

The homesters had more possession in the final quarter of the game but the Wrexham defence, marshalled superbly by Mark Creighton and skipper Nat Knight-Percival, held firm. They did ride their luck at times, especially with Joslain Mayebi in goal, who seemed to spill and flap a lot of efforts and didn't fill me with any confidence.

Indeed in the last minute Wrexham could have snatched a dramatic winner but Peter Brezovan parried Jamie Tolley's shot and then Jake Speight couldn't get the rebound in. Though it was an excellent performance from Wrexham, a draw was a fair result and both teams will try again at The Racecourse on 18th January.

As new stadiums go, I was mightily impressed with the Amex Stadium and it just goes to show what can be done with a new build if just a little thought went into it.

Everything got the thumbs up from me. The design of the stadium was imaginative compared to the normal bland new build you see. The seats were cushioned (though most of the game was spent stood up!) and there was ample leg room (ideal if you are 6ft plus!). The stewarding was also very relaxed and, finally, most importantly food and drink. The chicken balti pie was the best I'd ever had at a league ground (if a bit pricey) and they had Harvey Sussex Bitter on sale, plus a Welsh guest (Brains SA) just for the Wrexham fans!

Overall, a great day out but I'm looking forward to getting back to the non-league scene next weekend!