PUNCH Lamps comeback kings floored by ‘fear’ ...but Cup legend Cole keeps cool head
team and give them time on the ball was a cardinal sin.
“You’re waiting for them to score and after the first 15 minutes – when I thought we had decent control of the game, albeit in our own half, but in terms of possession – we weren’t at the races.
“Whether it’s fear, whether it’s respect, whatever way round it is, it’s not enough to come here and get a result.”
Derby were much better after the interval thanks to the introduction of Cole, forward Jack Marriott and a change in system.
And when Cole headed home nine minutes from time they looked like they might haul ul in a two-goal deficit just as they y had done TWICE against another other Premi er League side, ide, Southampton in the third ird round – in the original game me and the replay
But this time their opponents held on to dash any hopes Cole had of claiming an unlikely eighth FA Cup winner’s medal.
Lampard added: “I’m m delighted for him because, at 38, he could comfortably kick back, but he has a real desire and humility and work ethic. His performance was good and will get better because of fitness.
“To be high up the pitch and score with his head was a big surprise, but it will give him confidence and we wi l l need him.”
Seagulls boss Chris Hughton made eight changes to the side beaten 3- 1 by Burnley in Brighton’s last Premier League outing and one of them, Yves Bissouma, ran the show in the first half.
The Ivory Coast-born Mali midfielder was excellent, and he and Knockaert created chances that asked questions of keeper Kelle Roos as the Seagulls looked to press home their advantage.
Knockaert tested the Derby stopper again soon after as he cut inside onto his left foot and a Brighton goal looked imminent.
Unsurprisingly, Bissouma was heavily involved when it arrived.
He burst down the right and exchanged passes with Alireza Jahanbakhsh before pulling back to Knockaert, who tucked his effort beyond Roos.
Martyn Waghorn couldn’t connect properly with a volley shortly before half- time and Derby suffered another blow when Bissouma’s good work led to Brighto Brighton’s second.
This tim time he hit a post with a fine effo effort and Locadia slotted home from the rebound. Locadia’s L delight turned to disappointment when he h limped off in the second s half and Hughton confirmed he had been sent for a scan to assess the damage.
Asked ab o u t Bissouma, B the Brighton boss b said: “He’s a very talented young player but he’s still adjusting to the game here. He has played in Premier League games and he was very good, he showed great quality, and these games will all be good for him.”
Derby were better after the break and the introduction of Florian Josefzoon midway through the second half gave them a real lift.
He went down under a challenge from Bernado and, while some players asked for a penalty, Dan Burn scooped the ball in Cole’s direction and he placed a firm header beyond Brighton keeper David Button.
Hughton added: “It was very nervy at the end and the only disappointment we have got is that we made harder work of it.
“But we’re really delighted to go through.”