Cole strikes but Rams’ cup exit the pits for Lampard
NOT even a first-ever goal in the competition from Mr FA Cup himself could see Frank Lampard’s Derby County through to their first quarter-finals since 1999.
Ashley Cole lifted this trophy a record seven times in his career but had never scored. The 38-year-old righted that wrong when he set up a grandstand finish with nine minutes remaining.
A fine finish it was from Cole, too, but the equaliser failed to follow. Brighton held on, ensuring they would not become the first Premier League scalp taken in this weekend of FA Cup action.
Anyone attempting to count the amount of times Lampard, with hands in pockets, turned and scuffed the turf in frustration would need to take socks and shoes off.
Not much went Derby’s way at the Amex Stadium, and the 40-year-old coach believed it was their own doing.
‘To come to a Premier League team and give them time on the ball is a cardinal sin,’ he said. ‘We weren’t at the races. Whether it was fear or respect, whatever way around it was, it is not enough to come here and get a result.’
Anthony Knockaert, a rare starter for Chris Hughton, and Jurgen Locadia got the Brighton goals at the Amex.
Knockaert was a handful and drew first blood after 33 minutes. Yves Bissouma’s cross found the Frenchman, who tidily tucked the ball into the corner beyond Kelle Roos.
Derby went into this game unbeaten in their last six matches but were 2-0 down before the break.
Bissouma beat his man, curled a shot towards the far corner and rattled the post. Locadia was quickest to react and tapped in the rebound.
Cole had come on at half-time to make his first FA Cup appearance since January 2014.
The former Chelsea man looked in good nick on the left wing, where Brighton’s own veteran right back Bruno, also 38, was also on patrol.
But it was Cole who got a goal back for Derby, heading beyond David Button from a tight angle after a failed clearance. It turned out to be a consolation.
Hughton was naturally pleased to see Brighton’s name in the hat for tomorrow night’s quarter-final draw.
He declared: ‘I’m delighted to go through for the team, for the club. What everybody in my position would be after is a home tie.’