I don’t remember much about the Newcastle game..but I’ll cherish the first of my 100 goals for Seagulls
Murray
GLENN MURRAY had to pass memory tests to face Wolves – and he sailed through another one recalling his first Brighton goal a decade ago.
The evergreen 35-year-old striker bounced back from a clash of heads that left him unconscious seven days earlier (top) to score his 100th goal for the Seagulls.
After meeting medical criteria the final decision was left by boss Chris Hughton to the player – and Murray showed frustrated Wolves how to finish with a sixth goal of the season.
It meant a third topflight win in a row for Brighton for the first time since 1981, when Mark Lawrenson and Steve Foster patrolled the backline. The centre-half rocks Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy, along with keeper Matt Ryan who made crucial saves, played their part – but the glory was Murray’s.
Murray, whose Brighton journey has taken him from the ramshackle Withdean Stadium to the upmarket Amex, said: “100 goals is something I’ll look back on with pride, but I want 101 now.
“I remember my first goal for Brighton clearly, it was against Crewe in League One at Withdean in 2008.
“The club and I have come a long way since then – almost hand in hand even though I spent a little bit of time away, we sort of never progressed without each other.
“We started in League One and have got to the Premier League, trying to establish ourselves.
“But to me scoring my first goal at Withdean was just as important. It was a big move from Rochdale, and to get two on my home debut was massive. I have done some hard yards to get this success but I’m glad the way it’s worked out, a gradual incline, and I wouldn’t change it.
“I was quite groggy the first few days after the incident at Newcastle, I don’t remember very much about the game.
“I only trained with the first team on Friday.
“Before that it was medical and FA protocol including memory tests and making sure there was no aftermath.
“But the gaffer made it my call, and I felt good to play. Luckily it all went to plan.”
Murray diverted in the 38-year-old Bruno’s mishit shot, for what may be the highest aggregate age at 73 for players assisting and scoring a goal in Premier League history.
And Murray, who left the pitch with ‘Walking in a Murray wonderland’ ringing in his ears, added: “Bruno is someone I watch for his yoga and ice baths. He gives me hope I can play that long.”
Hughton said: “It is hard to think of another striker scoring how Glenn is at his age – maybe Peter Crouch.
“It is a wonderful moment for him.”
Sadly on a grim day for football on Saturday it was reported an elderly Seagulls supporter had died in hospital after being taken ill before the match at the Amex.