Brighton’s hard Knock

anTHonY KnoCKaerT is in line to start at Watford in the Premier League this weekend after coming through a bruising Carabao Cup contest with Barnet unscathed. after feeling like he received rough treatment from the League Two visitors in the first half, Knockaert was substituted to avoid suffering an unnecessary injury. This was the 25-year-old frenchman’s first start since may and Brighton are crossing their fingers that he can lead them to Premier League survival. it was Knockaert’s replacement, 19-year-old James Tilley, who scored the only goal of the game. ‘He hasn’t had the football the others have had, but with regards to availability and fitness he’s ready,’ Brighton manager Chris Hughton said of Knockaert. Barnet chairman anthony Kleanthous appeared far from happy at full time as he was stopped from walking on to the pitch to thank the fans and then denied access to the dressing room. There were worrying scenes for Brighton supporters as Knockaert went down in the first half holding his left ankle. He complained and was later cautioned for screaming in the face of the linesman. He was soon back on his feet and should have scored in the 32nd minute when he stole the ball off defender David Tutonda. But where the frenchman was unable to deliver, Tilley was only too obliging as he hit past Barnet goalkeeper Craig ross to secure the win.