Albion made it 3 wins in a row thanks to a 1-0 win over former landlord Gillingham. A first half striker from former Gills striker Bas Savage was enough to give the Seagulls all three points.

 

Gillingham: Larrieu, Southall, Chorley, Johnson (Sancho 78), Jackman, Bentley, Crofts, Flynn, Jarvis, Mulligan, McDonald (Pugh 66).
Subs Not Used: Cox, Spiller, Collin.

Booked: Southall.

Brighton: Flinders, El-Abd, Butters, Lynch (O’Cearuill 55), Rents, Ward (Fraser 66), Hammond, Bertin, Cox, Gatting, Savage (Revell 73).
Subs Not Used: Sullivan, Elder.

Booked: Hammond, Savage, Gatting.
 
Goals: Savage 18.
 
Att: 6,609

The only change to Dean Wilkins starting 11 was a forced one with goalkeeper Michel Kuipers picking up a groin strain against Forest on Saturday. Taking his place was on loan Crystal Palace keeper Scott Flinders.

Once again the Seagulls started the game slowly with the Gills enjoying the better of the opening period and they could have been ahead within the first five minutes when Andrew Crofts volleyed a shot just wide.

But after soaking up the early Gills pressure it was the Seagulls who took the lead as new signing Bas Savage went about doubling his career goals total against his old club on 18 minutes. The big striker worked hard to win the ball in midfield before breaking forward and lashing in a toe-poked (or toe punt if you rather!) effort with his left foot in off the post from just outside the area.

The big striker is making a real name for himself since signing for the Seagulls. His hard work upfront has already endeared him to the Albion fans and it’s no coincident the Seagulls turn around in form has coincided with his arrival.

New keeper Scott Flinders had a few shaky moments in the first half when he came out for crosses, but lucky for the Albion the back four were on top form dealing with everything Gillingham threw at them.

In the early stages of the second half the Seagulls almost extended their lead when Joe Gatting ran onto a Bas Savage flick on before lobbing Gills keeper Larrieu only for the linesman to raise his flag for what must have been a marginal offside decision.

The second half was almost spent entirely inside the Albion half with Gillingham throwing everything forward at an Albion defence possessed. 

Crosses, long balls, long throws and shots were all blocked and dealt with by the Seagulls back four. Even when Joel Lynch was taken off midway through the half with an injury his replacement Joe O’Cearuill just stepped in to continue his good work.

There was one late scare for the travelling Albion faithful when Gillingham’s Mike Flynn rose to head against the post from close range with Flinders beaten, but Albion held out to make it 9 points from 3 games to cement their place in midtable.

Two more wins should be enough to guarantee safety for another year, but if the Seagulls manage to keep this run going some fans may even start dreaming of the play offs again. Before we start getting carried away we must make sure we get those two wins as soon as possible. And this Saturday the Seagulls will have to put in another big performance with promotion favourites Bristol City visiting the Withdean if they are to continue this run.

 

Player ratings
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Flinders	5/10	A few dodgy moments. Kept a clean sheet, but this was more down to the defence in front of him.
Rents	8/10	He lack of height meant Gillingham targeted him with long balls, but considering this he did well
Lynch	9/10	Did really well up to going off injured.
 Butters	9/10	Man of the match Up against his old side Guy lead by example. Got his head on everything and was always in the right place at the right time.
El-Abd	8/10	Still not convinced right back if the best position for Adam but he worked very hard.
Cox	7/10	A quite game by Cox’s standards but he worked hard for the team tracking back.
Ward	6/10	With Albion on the back foot for much of the game could have done better in keeping possession.
Hammond	8/10	Hammond was once again all over the place leading by example.
Bertin	8/10	Another impressive display from Bertin. Sitting just in front of the back four picking up the scraps and playing the ball simple.
Gatting	7/10	Didn’t have much in the way of service but battled hard for every ball that came his way.
Savage	8/10	Despite a hostile reception from the home fans Bas once again proved any doubted wrong with his match winning goal.
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Subs:		Â
O’Cearuill	7/10	Came in for Lynch at center back, his preferred position, and looked solid.
Revell	6/10	Worked hard in the final quarter.
Fraser	6/10	Didn’t really get to involved and was brought on in a defensive role for Ward.

Added on Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 at 2:30 pm under Match reports by Wilka.