Brighton sunk by Stockdale’s bizarre own-goal double
BRIGHTON were denied the Championship title — for now — after two identical own goals by goalkeeper David Stockdale. Both involved Alex Pritchard, the former Tottenham starlet who snubbed Brighton to sign for Norwich last summer. The 23-year-old hit the woodwork twice, only for the ball to bounce off Stockdale’s back and go in. Bizarrely, it happened in the 18th minute, then again in the 39th, and saw Norwich 2-0 up at half-time without having a shot on target. Indeed, they did not manage one all match. The consolation for Brighton is that they can secure the title by beating Bristol City next week. The trophy will be at the Amex Stadium in readiness. Brighton supporters were undaunted. ‘David Stockdale, he scores when he wants,’ they sang, continuing their promotion party. They had also been singing about Pritchard from the start, but he shut them up in the 18th minute with the shot that led to the first of Norwich’s fortuitous goals. Brighton thought they had levelled in the 28th minute when Oliver Norwood’s cross found the head of Uwe Hunemeier. It took an instinctive save from John Ruddy to keep Norwich ahead. The visitors then wanted a penalty when Jamie Murphy felt he was tripped by Graham Dorrans. There was clear contact, but referee Tim Robinson waved away the appeals. Then, deja vu. Pritchard collected the ball 20 yards out and let fly. His shot struck a post this time but the goal was Stockdale’s after another rebound. There were only 38 seconds between Brighton’s penalty shout and Norwich’s second goal. The visitors began to realise that this would not be their night. As Stockdale walked out for the second half, he was warmly applauded by Norwich’s fans. They were hoping he would get a hat-trick of own goals. Brighton’s Glenn Murray had a shot cleared off the line by Jonny Howson, but it just was not to be on manager Chris Hughton’s return to Norwich.