Brighton 1-1 Huddersfield: 10-man Seagulls hold Terriers

By Ben Grounds

Saturday 7 April 2018 19:09, UK

Huddersfield missed the chance to create breathing space between themselves and their relegation rivals as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls took the lead on 29 minutes after Solly March's left-footed shot hit the post and trickled over the line via Jonas Lossl's arm.

But Huddersfield responded immediately, courtesy of a woeful attempted back-pass from Shane Duffy, with Steve Mounie making no mistake to compound the error with a cool finish having rounded Mat Ryan.

Davy Propper was shown a straight red card following a late challenge on Jonathan Hogg (74), and both teams had their opportunities to go on and seal all three points in the second half, but there remains a three-point gap between them in the fight for Premier League survival.

Brighton, who stay 13th, nearly made the perfect start as Propper latched onto Ezequiel Schelotto's long ball over the top to breach the Terriers defence but the Dutchman - still awaiting his first Brighton goal - fired wide.

Huddersfield - who remain 16th - responded as Mounie warmed the gloves of Ryan having been set-up by Terrence Kongolo, before Lossl got down smartly at the feet of Jose Izquierdo during a blistering opening 15 minutes.

Brighton made the breakthrough as March took aim 25 yards out, with his shot rolling a yard over the line after the ball had ricocheted off a post and the outstretched arm of Lossl.

But a lapse of concentration from Shane Duffy down the other end allowed Mounie to end Huddersfield's goal drought - which stood at 427 minutes - meaning it was all square at the interval.

Brighton had the first good chance of the second half as Lewis Dunk rose to meet March's inviting free-kick, but the defender could only direct his header wide. Lossl then produced a superb save to deny Dale Stephens but Huddersfield were handed a numerical advantage with 16 minutes remaining.

Propper dived into a 50-50 challenge with Hogg but led with his studs, leaving referee Anthony Taylor with little choice but to show a red card. Despite the dismissal, it was Brighton who came closest to finding a winner with Lossl rushing out to deny Izquierdo as the points were shared.

The managers

Chris Hughton: "It's a hard-earned point but it was definitely a missed opportunity. We kicked ourselves in the foot again as we started the game really well.

"Even with 10 men, we've had the best chance of the game. In a game that could've gone either way, we've had the best chances. On the balance of play and chances, it's a game we should've won and deserved to win."

David Wagner: "I'm pleased with how we bounced back. We've been in a difficult moment and this was great. I'm please with the performance and they were brave on the ball. We deserved the point.

"Some people said at the beginning of the season that we were completely inexperienced so an away point in this league is always good. It could be a crucial point come the end of the season."

Opta stats

Brighton are unbeaten in their last six home league meetings with Huddersfield (W3 D3), since a 2-3 loss in League One in April 2011.
Huddersfield have conceded in each of their last 14 on the road in the Premier League - the longest such run in the competition this season.
There have been more own goals scored in Premier League games involving Brighton this season than any other team (6 in total - 5 against, 1 for).
Courtesy of Steve Mounie's 32nd minute strike, Huddersfield netted their first goal in 427 minutes of Premier League action.
Mounie has bagged three goals in his two Premier League games against Brighton this season, 43% of his total top-flight haul this season (3/7).
Huddersfield have seen an opponent sent off four times in the top-flight this season, a figure only Burnley can better (6).

Man of the match - Alex Pritchard

The 24-year-old made a strong impression during an energetic display, playing off striker Mounie with just his final pass denying him from capping his performance with a decisive contribution.

Huddersfield still have work to do if they are to retain their top-flight status, and Pritchard could be vital to their chances in the coming weeks after showing his willingness to be the side's creative force.

In a game of individual quality, it was the former Tottenham winger who looked most promising in the closing stages as Huddersfield pressed for a winner.

England World Cup Watch

There were few players on show who can have any lingering hopes of a late dash for England’s plane to Russia this summer, but should injuries come to key personnel in attack, this was not a good audition for the ultimate outsider.

Glenn Murray has been in superb form this season, but he was left extremely frustrated by a lack of service before his withdrawal without having tested Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

Pritchard, who has represented England nine times at Under-21 level, showed his class with his darting runs and quality on the ball but the Three Lions are well-stocked in that department off the front man and this summer must surely come too soon for him.