Dunk call-up calms Hughton’s mood
A debut England cap beckons this week for Lewis Dunk, the first for a Brighton player since Steve Foster and his sweatband in 1982. The imposing centre-back, the only survivor from the dark old days at the Withdean, has, in his own words, been living the dream in recent weeks, despite some tricky results for Brighton.
An international appearance for Dunk, 26, against the United States on Thursday, would certainly provide some blessed relief for manager Chris Hughton, who was severely rattled on Saturday by Sol Bamba’s “offside” winner for Cardiff in the dying seconds.
“We’re frustrated and angry because when you’re down to 10 men for such a long period of time, you certainly warrant getting something out of the game,” he said.
Hughton, who said Saturday’s defeat was harsh on Dunk after he opened the scoring and then starred in defence, was delighted to see his long-serving defender called up. “For what he has given us, not only this season but over the seasons, he deserves it,” he added. “He has to continue to learn via the experiences of being in the squad.”
Dunk had put Brighton ahead with his second goal in two games. But this would be a blood-andthunder Cardiff classic to mark Neil Warnock’s 100th match in charge.
Callum Paterson soon equalised for the home side from close range after Kadeem Harris’s jinking run. In the 34th minute, Brighton’s hopes were derailed when Dale Stephens was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Greg Cunningham. Fortune would eventually shine on Bamba in the 90th minute. He initially attempted an overhead kick which hit a post. It was followed up by Paterson, whose effort hit the bar and then Bamba smashed the rebound home, despite briefly stepping offside.
The unlikely match-winner then did the double over referee Martin Atkinson by escaping a booking, having ripped his top off amid explosive scenes of jubilation.
“My wife doesn’t read tea-leaves, but she told me that my luck would change last Thursday, so I will have to get her a drink,” said Warnock.