SUPER SIDWELL
Last-gasp Brighton on heels of top two
STEVE SIDWELL scored his first goal in 14 years for Brighton as the promotion-hunters discovered wind beneath their wings just in time.
the 33-year- old midfielder, on loan from stoke, popped up with the winner in added time to present Chris Hughton with an unexpected bonus.
‘It’s a big, big win,’ admitted the Brighton boss. ‘It was looking like a draw and that would have been fair. We weren’t so good tonight but we found a way. We did not keep possession, our passing was clumsy and we didn’t make many opportunities.’
Harsh words but cushioned by three lovely points that closed the gap on top two Burnley and Middlesbrough.
For that, thanks must go to substitutes anthony Knockaert and sidwell, who was on loan at Brighton in 2002 when he last scored for them.
Leicester fans will not need reminding how dangerous their former winger Knockaert can be. the Frenchman caused havoc in the area and there was sidwell to pounce.
‘I knew he could break forward but that’s not why I brought him on,’ admitted Hughton. ‘But I’m very grateful he did.
‘You approach every game with apprehension but this is a really exciting part of the season.’
there was nothing wrong with Brighton’s start, defender Lewis Dunk heading them in front from a Jiri skalak free-kick. It was his second in successive games and third of the season.
Brighton found it equally hard to defend a curling free-kick into the box and Dexter Blackstock’s header levelled it up.
Forest looked the more likely victors, with fit-again Henri Lansbury displaying the skills and talent which tend to make the side tick.
One thing was for certain, Forest did not look like a side who have now lost nine of their last 11 matches. Lansbury and Dexter Blackstock both missed chances.
Interim manager Paul Williams has overseen four defeats and a draw since replacing sacked Dougie Freedman and was incensed enough at half-time to speak to referee andy Davies.
‘It’s hard for me to take,’ said Williams. ‘ I just spoke to the referee. I asked him at half-time to remember there were two teams playing out there.’