20/05/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy Final
Brightons 1 Waterside 2
Brightons had one hand on the trophy for long spells until Waterside drew level with a freak goal and then grabbed the winner with the last kick of the ball.
Brightons made all the early running with James Wood and Nicky Irvine linking well and wide men Robert McLean and Tam McQue causing the Waterside defence problems in the opening stages. The pressure finally paid off after 18 minutes when Lee Clark found McQue in space wide on the right and he cut inside 2 men before firing an unstoppable left foot drive into the top corner from 25 yards.
Brightons continued to press and found themselves in several good positions but just lacked the final ball to test the Waterside keeper. Waterside gradually came into the game but Tony Sime in goal was rarely troubled as they found it difficult to get past a solid Brightons back four with centre half Neil Porteous also in fine form to ensure the lead was in tact at the break.
Waterside came out fired up after the break but the Brightons rear guard stood firm and limited any clear cut chances. At the other end a few well worked free kicks created half chances for Mark Newton and Graham Speirs with the later seeing his net bound shot some how turned round the post by the Waterside keeper.
That would have killed the game but gave Waterside a second wind and they pressed on again and disaster struck for Brightons with 15 minutes left. There looked to be no danger from a harmless looking shot from 22 yards but it took a bad bobble just in front of Sime and rolled into the net much to the dismay of the Brightons players.
It was end to end stuff in the final minutes as both teams pressed for the winner and in the final minute of time added on it was Waterside who snatched victory when the wide player cut in from the left and although Sime got a hand to his well struck shot it found the bottom corner to leave the Brightons players devastated.
Team
Sime, Clark , Speirs, Forbes, Porteous, Newton, McQue (S Irvine), Stuart, Wood (McMeechan), N Irvine and McLean
Subs not used - Martin, Lines and Sweeney
Claremont man of the match – Neil Porteous
18/05/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy – Group Stages
Uddingston 1 Brightons 3
Brightons ended the group stages with another win after a steady rather than spectacular performance and will now face Waterside in Saturday's final.
Brightons got of to the perfect start with a goal inside 2 minutes. Tam McQue went on a mazy run down the right and his cross come shot eluded everyone and sneaked in at the back post. McQue couldn't hide his delight with the strike and proceeded to celebrate with a succession of silly looking leaps in the air.
With Uddingston unable to qualify for the final and pushing numbers forward without playing any real formation they caused Brightons all sorts of problems for the next 15 minutes and after going close on a few occasions drew level when the tall striker found space in the box to control and fire past Tony Sime. The remainder of the half was end to end stuff with neither team being tight enough and both teams had chances but Sime was rock solid in goals and it was Brightons who went in a goal up at the break. McQue read a short clearance from the keeper and robbed the full back before being hauled down in the box. With normal taker James Wood rested on the bench, deputy taker Mark Newton stepped up and buried the spot kick.
Brightons were a bit tighter in the second half following the introduction of Barry Stuart although the home team with nothing to lose pushed 4 up front. They were awarded a soft penalty when Gordon Forbes was adjudged to have pushed the forward in the box but justice was served when the same player blasted the spot kick over the bar. Sime then produced a wonder finger tip save from the same forward's goal bound header and Neil Porteous was on hand to clear the danger.
Brightons then began to take control and use the extra space and a quick kick from Sime found Kieran Sweeney on the left and he played a perfect pass into the stride of Stuart who raced in on the keeper and calmly slotted home the third. Brightons played out the remaining 15 minutes comfortably enough and as the home team got physical the only danger was that one of the players would get injured. Thankfully everyone came off ok and coach Alexander should have a full squad to choose from on Saturday.
Team
Sime, S Irvine , McLean, Forbes, Porteous, McQue, Lines, Sweeney, Martin (Stuart), Newton and N Irvine
Subs not used - Wood and Clark
Claremont man of the match – Tony Sime
15/05/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy – Group Stages
Millbank 0 Brightons 8
Brightons showed tremendous bouncebackability from Saturdays 3-1 reverse at Mearns and with the margin of victory boosting the goal difference they have almost certainly sealed a place in the final barring a disaster in the final group game.
Coach Alexander had a strong squad available and opted for a back 3 of Porteous, McMeechan and Forbes and a 5 man midfield. Brightons grabbed an early lead when James Wood chased down a defender and his clearance fell to Barry Stuart who calmly side footed home the opener inside 5 minutes. That should have settled Brightons but the home team's offside tactics caught them out time after time and it was a further 15 minutes before no 2 arrived. Wood was sent clear on goal and rounded the keeper only to be brought down. The veteran marksman picked himself up and as usual buried the spot kick.
Brightons were beginning to flow now especially down the right with Scott Irvine and Tam McQue's strong running causing the home team problems. Wood grabbed another to make it 3 and it was 4 just before the break as Graham Speirs ran half the park before laying in Lee Clark who steadied himself before drilling home.
With the back door firmly shut it was one way traffic towards the Millbank goal in the 2nd half. Stuart played a great ball across the face of goal and only young Graeme Carbis will know how he managed to put it over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Carbis redeemed himself though with a cute lob over the keeper for no 5. McLean, Martin and Sweeney were brought on midway through the half and this gave Brightons fresh impetus. Wood thought he had a hat trick but saw his lob come back of the bar before being cleared by the keeper. Speirs then decided to get in on the action and he curled a beauty into the top corner. Martin then headed home from McQue's corner before Speirs completed the scoring with another fine strike.
Brightons complete the group stages against away to Uddingston tonight (Thursday) and will play either Harestanes or Waterside in the final at Colville Park Country Club on Saturday, 2pm kick off.
Team
Sime, S Irvine (McLean), Carbis (Sweeney), Forbes, Porteous, McMeechan, McQue, Stuart, Wood, Clark (Martin) and Speirs
Subs not used - N Irvine, Lines
Claremont man of the match – Tam McQue
03/05/06
Cinema Cup Round 1/4 Final
Kilsyth 2 Brightons 1
Brightons lost for the first time in 90 minutes since early February but put up yet another good show against Premier League opposition last night. Kilsyth are easily the best footballing team Brightons have faced this season but Brightons gave a good account of themselves and were unfortunate not to take the game to extra time.
With Neil Porteous, Graham Speirs and James Wood all unavailable the team had to be re-shuffled. Barry Stuart slotted in at centre half, Grant Morrison came in at left back and there was a recall for Mark Newton in centre midfield.
Kilsyth started the game at a high tempo and moved the ball about well but Brightons tremendous work rate and a solid back 4 of Colin Williamson, Stuart, Gordon Forbes and Morrison limited them to very few clear cut chances. Tony Sime was called into action midway through the half when the home striker got in behind but Sime produced a fine save and Forbes was there to clear the danger. Kilsyth made no mistake from the next chance however, a through ball took a terrible bounce on the edge of the area as Gareth Alexander looked set to clear and the home forward nipped in and slotted past the advancing Sime.
Brightons responded well though and began to get the front 2 of Lee Clark and Nicky Irvine into the game allowing Robert McLean and Tam McQue to push up and support them on the flanks. McLean also put in some excellent corners but Brightons couldn't get on the end of them and went in 1 down at the break.
Brightons had their best spell just after the break and had the home team on the back foot and were awarded a penalty when Irvine pounced on a loose ball in the box and was brought down by the full back. Newton stepped up and clinically despatched the spot kick into the corner.
Kilsyth made 2 substitutions and gradually worked their way back into the game and scored what turned out to be the winner on the hour mark with the only clear cut chance they created in the second half. They got to the byeline down the right and the cut back was controlled instantly by one of the subs and he turned and curled a shot into the top corner past Sime.
Davy Lines, Simon Martin and Keiran Sweeney replaced Newton, Clark and McLean as Brightons battled back in search of an equlaiser but found it difficult to break down a well drilled defence. They did get in behind a few times late on but were frustrated by the referee's whistle for offside despite being well on. All in all it was an excellent team performance and shows Brightons can compete with teams in the top league, which is where they will hopefully be next season if they can win their 2 remaining league games.
Brightons remain on cup duty on Saturday away to Millbank in the Robert White Memorial Trophy.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Morrison, Forbes, Stuart, Newton (Lines), McQue, Irvine, Clark (Martin), McLean (Sweeney) and Alexander
Subs not used –
Claremont man of the match – Full squad
29/04/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Brightons 2 Denny 0
Brightons made it 6 wins and 1 draw in their last 7 league games and remain on course for promotion after this vital win on Saturday.
It was a nervous start however as Brightons failed to settle early on and the visitors controlled the first 20 minutes and were unlucky not to go in front as they hit the bar twice.
Brightons took full advantage of that let off and gradually worked their way into the game with Barry Stuart taking control of the midfield. They hit the front on 25 minutes from another Robert McLean set piece, his deep free kick was headed back across goal by Tam McQue and Lee Clark was on hand to side foot volley home to give Brightons the advantage at the break.
Brightons controlled the 2nd period and began to knock the ball about well with Williamson and McQue on the right and Speirs and McLean combining on the left. Nicky Irvine and Clark were also linking well up front and both went close to finding the 2nd goal that would have killed the game. A loose ball across the back 4 from Gordon Forbes almost gave the visitors a lifeline but he recovered well and with the help of Speirs managed to clear the danger.
The visitors pushed 3 up front for the last 10 minutes in search of an equaliser and forced a few corners but Neil Porteous and Williamson were immense at the back and won every header to clear the danger. Brightons took advantage of the gaps and finally sealed the points in the dying minutes when Stuart broke forward to release Kieran Sweeney and he raced in on goal to dummy the keeper and tap in.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Forbes, Porteous, Stuart, McQue, Irvine (Sweeney), Clark (Martin), McLean (Morrison) and Alexander
Subs not used – Lines
Claremont man of the match – Barry Stuart
26/04/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy - Group Stages
Brightons 4 Millbank 1
Brightons won this game comfortably enough to go top of the group but really could and should have scored plenty more goals.
Brightons made a great start and the game was over as a contest after 30 minutes as they raced into a 4 goal lead. New signing David Lines claimed the opener when his shot from the edge of the box took a ricochet off a defender into the net. It was one way traffic towards the visitors goal and the 2nd followed shortly, Robert McLean swung in a corner and Gareth Alexander was on hand to score from close range. Another excellent set piece delivery from McLean led to the 3rd, his corner went right across the face of goal and Nicky Irvine played the ball back across for Barry Stuart to side foot home. Irvine grabbed the 4th with an outrageous finish when he got on the end of a Gordon Forbes free kick, lobbing the keeper from 20 yards with a back heel.
Brightons needed another early goal in the second half but when that failed to materialise the visitors took confidence and came more into the game. They grabbed a consolation midway through the half from a corner as the Brightons defence failed to react to the second ball.
Morrison, Martin and Williamson were brought on to freshen things up and all 3 made a good impact on the game as Brightons regained the upper hand. McLean and McCue were now controlling the midfield but a combination of a poor final ball and lack of composure in front of goal meant that Brightons couldn’t add to the score line.
Team
Sime, Lines, Speirs, Forbes, Stuart (Williamson), McQue, Sweeney, Irvine (Martin), Clark, McLean and Alexander (Morrison)
Subs not used –
Claremont man of the match – Robert McLean
22/04/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy - Group Stages
Brightons 2 Mearns 1
Brightons produced another fine display against Premier Division opponents Mearns on Saturday with a win that puts them in control of the group.
Brightons lost the toss and Mearns decided to play with the strong wind at their backs in the first half but that decision back fired on them with a disastrous start. Gareth Alexander played a ball into the corner from kick off and under no pressure the visiting right back played a sloppy pass inside straight to veteran striker James Wood who steadied himself to place a shot in the bottom corner from 16 yards with only seconds on the clock.
You would have thought the visitors had learned their lesson but within a minute Brightons doubled their lead with a carbon copy goal. 'Woody' is the last man you want to give the ball away to in the box and he produced another clinical finish to make it 2-0 with barely 2 minutes on the clock and only a handful of players having touched the ball.
The visitors gradually worked their way back into the game and pulled one back on 20 minutes when a corner deceived keeper Tony Sime and flew straight into the net. The visitors continued to press and were awarded a penalty when Neil Porteous was caught out by a quick turn and he brought down the striker. Sime redeemed his earlier mistake and produced a brilliant save from the spot kick to maintain the lead. Wood should have had a hat-trick just before the break as he found time and space in the box but blasted over from a tight angle.
To be fair to the visitors they kept the ball well after the break but could find no way past a strong Brightons defence with Colin Williamson in particular having an outstanding game, in fact Sime didn't have a save to make. At the other end Brightons were continually frustrated by the referee blowing for anything he could think off, the strangest being when Irvine was sent crashing down by 2 defenders but for some bizarre reason he was cautioned for 'simulation' rather than a free kick to Brightons. Subs Sweeney and Lines made a good impact from the bench as Brightons finished the stronger. Lines came close with 2 chances and McQue had a header cleared off the line from a McLean corner late on.
Brightons return to league duty on Saturday at home to Denny.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Forbes, Porteous, McQue, Morris (Lines), Irvine (Sweeney), Wood , McLean and Alexander
Subs not used – Martin
Claremont man of the match – Colin Williamson
08/04/06
Robert White Memorial Trophy - Group Stages
Brightons 3 Uddingston 0
Brightons cruised to a comfortable victory over Uddingston on Saturday with a steady rather than spectacular performance.
Brightons made all the early running and came close to opening the scoring from set pieces on a few occasions before deservedly going in front after 10 minutes. Robert McLean whipped in an excellent free kick from the right and centre half Neil Porteous sneaked in at the back post to score from close range. With Brightons well on top the visitors lost their composure and were reduced to 10 men after their midfielder saw red for striking out at Gareth Alexander.
Brightons controlled most of the play in the second half with the visitors
content to play on the counter attack but with the defence superbly marshalled by Michael McMeechan they rarely threatened Tony Sime in goal. With the visitors tiring as the half progressed Brightons took advantage of the gaps and Alexander picked out Nicky Irvine's run down the right and as he raced into the box the keeper brought him down and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped veteran striker James Wood and as usual he made no mistake with the penalty to take his seasons tally to 20.
Brightons were now having joy down the flanks and Mclean linked with Gordon Forbes down the left and his cross from the bye line was perfect for Wood to head home from six yards. With the game over as a contest Clark and Morris were given a run out for the last 10 minutes. Sime was finally forced into making a save late on but there was to be no joy for the visitors.
Brightons return to league duty next Saturday with a crucial game away to Wellhouse.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Forbes, Newton, Porteous, McMeechan, Irvine (Morris), Sweeney (Clark), Wood , McLean and Alexander
Subs not used –
Claremont man of the match – James Wood
25/03/06
Cinema Cup Round 2
Blantyre 1 Brightons 2
Brightons progressed to the 1/4 finals after a hard fought victory over Premier League Blantyre on Saturday.
Brightons took full advantage with the wind at their backs and playing down the slope in the first half and made all the early running with the pressure finally paying off after 20 minutes. Barry Stuart played a neat one two with Simon Martin before drawing 2 defenders and slipping the ball to Lee Clark on the edge of the area and he continued his goal a game ratio with a fine drive into the corner. Brightons continued to press and were soon 2 up after Gareth Alexander beat his man in the box before drilling a shot across the keeper and in off the post.
In rare attack the home team were awarded the softest of soft penalties you are ever likely to see as Paul Wilkin was adjudged to have put his hands too close to the home strikers lovely curly hair. Justice was duly served as the home player blasted the penalty miles over the bar.
Brightons were up against it after the break as the home team controlled the second period but the back four of Wilkin, Porteous, McMeechan and Speirs along with keeper Tony Sime soaked up everything that was thrown at them. The home team made 3 changes and it was one of the subs who finally scored midway through the half following a series of corners with a fine curling shot from the edge of the box that Sime could do nothing about.
Sime then made a stunning save as he tipped over a powerful strike from the same player. The home team pushed 4 up front for the last 10 minutes in search of an equaliser but the Brightons defence stood firm. Indeed with a bit more composure it was Brightons who should have added to the score line but they failed to take advantage of the gaps in the home defence.
Brightons remain on cup duty again next week away to Uddingston.
Team
Sime, Wilkin, Speirs, McMeechan, Porteous, Stuart, Irvine, Martin (Wood), Clark (Sweeney), McLean and Alexander
Subs not used – Newton, Morrison, Forbes
Claremont man of the match – Graham Speirs
18/03/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Chryston 1 Brightons 1
Brightons dropped league points for the first time since October as yet again they failed to get the better of bogey team Chryston. With top scorer James Wood unavailable Lee Clark was given a debut up front along side Simon Martin.
This was never going to be a classic football match on probably the worst pitch Brightons have played on this season however for the first 30 minutes Brightons midfield were in full control and played some neat stuff. A good move down the left saw Robert McLean's cross find Clark who's volley came crashing back off the bar and Martin followed up only to see his shot cleared off the line. The opener came moments later though this time from the right, Paul Morris fed the ball into Martin and his first time lay off was clinically finished in the bottom corner for a debut goal by Clark.
The home team then resorted to a physical approach and it knocked Brightons out of their stride. Forbes and Alexander lost their grip on the middle of the park and the home team took full advantage to equalise and go in level at the break.
The second half turned into a physical battle with a combination of the poor pitch and some home tackles that would have been more suited to rugby not allowing Brightons the chance to play their passing game. The best chance fell to Clark as he was put clear on goal only to see the keeper save his shot. A few more chances were created but Brightons couldn’t find the breakthrough. It could have been much worse for Brightons had Tony Sime not produced a great save right at the end to secure a point which could prove crucial for Brightons promotion hopes come the end of the season.
Brightons return to cup action next week away to Blantyre.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Wilkin, Porteous, Forbes, Morris (Morrison), Clark, Simon Martin, McLean and Alexander
Subs not used – Stephen Martin, Thomas McQue
Claremont man of the match – Lee Clark
11/03/06
M&M Cup Round 2
Brightons 1 - 1 Arthurlie United AET
(2-4 on pens)
Brightons more than matched high flying Premier League opponents Arthurlie United for 120 minutes in this cup tie before going out in a penalty shootout.
With Nicky Irvine suspended veteran striker James Wood was partnered by teenager Kieran Sweeney up front. It was a dream start for Brightons as they hit the front within 2 minutes. Graham Speirs played a good ball down the left flank and Wood out muscled the full back before playing a great ball right across the face of goal for Sweeney to score his first goal for the club. Sweeney had a great chance to make it 2 midway through the half as he latched on to a Gordon Forbes through ball but saw his clever chip go just over and although he was clattered late by the keeper Brightons claims for a penalty were turned down.
Brightons continued to build on this great start with Speirs and Robert McLean linking well on the left and Barry Stuart and Paul Morris doing likewise on the right and with centre backs Neil Porteous and Mikey McMeechan also in excellent form then Arthurlie rarely threatened the home goal in the first half.
Brightons suffered a blow early in the second half when McMeechan limped off to be replaced by Colin Williamson who slotted in at full back with Stuart moving in along side Porteous. The visitors had started the second period much better and caught Brightons on the back foot with a quick break down the left with the resulting cross eluding Tony Sime allowing the striker to score at the back post.
Sweeney had a great chance to win it with 10 minutes left after Wood sent him in on goal but the keeper managed to turn his low drive round the post. Brightons done all the pressing in extra time as their superior fitness shone through but couldn't grab the winner and Arthurlie were content to settle for spot kicks. With Brightons missing twice in the shootout Arthurlie sneaked into the next round.
Brightons continue their quest for the league title away to Chryston next week.
Team
Sime, Stuart, Speirs, McMeechan (Williamson), Porteous, Forbes, Morris, Sweeney, Wood (Simon Martin), McLean and Alexander
Subs not used – Grant Morrison, Stephen Martin, Craig Stevenson
Claremont man of the match – Full Squad
18/02/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Cumbernauld Clyde 2 – 5 Brightons
Despite missing a few first team regulars, including keeper Tony Sime, Brightons returned to the top of the league with a comfortable victory on Saturday.
With only 3 minutes on the clock Brightons hit the front. Nicky Irvine released James Wood on the left and his deep cross was gathered by player coach Gareth Alexander who had time to control and steady himself before drilling past the keeper.
The lead was doubled on 15 minutes as Brightons broke from defence to attack in 10 seconds. Neil Porteous headed clear a home free kick and Wood laid the ball off to Graham Speirs on the left. Speirs hit a raking 70 yard pass and as the home keeper and defence hesitated Irvine nipped in to head over the keeper from 18 yards.
The 3rd followed 2 minutes later. Alexander was fouled on the right flank and Speirs showed his quality from the dead ball situation. He played in teasing free kick into the box and Paul Morris bulleted a header past the keeper. Morris should have grabbed a second a minute later but the keeper saved his close range header. Brightons failed to fully capitalise on this great start and switched off for the remainder of the half.
Brightons got their passing game together after the break and took control again with full back Tam McQue having a fine spell on the right flank. No 4 came as McQue made a surging run down the line before cutting inside 2 men and hitting a thunderous left footer into the top corner. McQue then made no 5 with another great run down the flank and he picked out Simon Martin who controlled well then fired home.
Stand in keeper Colin Williamson was called into action for the first time on 80 minutes and despite making 2 great saves the home team pulled one back. They got another right on time with a quickly taken free kick but it was still a comfortable victory in the end.. went close late on but couldn't add to the scoring.
Team
Williamson, McQue, Speirs, Stuart, Porteous, McLean, Morris, Irvine (Sweeney), Wood (Simon Martin), Morrison and Alexander
Subs not used – Stephen Martin
Claremont man of the match – Gareth Alexander
11/02/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Brightons 3 - 0 Uddingston
Brightons showed great bouncebackability from last weeks poor show in the Scottish Cup to stay in the hunt for the league title with an excellent team performance against Uddingston.
It could have been the perfect start for Brightons after only 30 seconds as player coach Gareth Alexander put through Robert McLean but the ball got caught between his feet and the chance was lost. The constant early pressure paid off in 11 minutes though with a well worked goal. Paul Wilkin played a quick free kick into the feet of James Wood and he laid off to Graham Speirs, his chip was headed down by Tam McQue forcing the keeper to block at his feet and the ball broke to Barry Stuart who calmly side stepped 2 defenders and side footed into the bottom corner.
Brightons were well on top forcing a series of corners and the pressure was rewarded with second goal on 30 minutes. Nicky Irvine was pushed in the back as he collected a throw from Colin Williamson and the ref had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Up stepped Wood to clinically dispatch the kick in the bottom corner. The visitors almost grabbed a lifeline 2 minutes later but Tony Sime was quick off his line to close down the striker who shot narrowly wide.
Sime again produced a fantastic point blank save from a header after the break to maintain the 2 goal cushion. That spurred Brightons on and they took control again with Paul Morris easing the pressure on the back 4 with 2 box to box runs. Another good link up move set up Alexander on the edge of the box and his well hit shot through a crowed box flew past the despairing keeper.
The visitors then lost their composure and resorted to some rash challenges which saw them reduced to 10 men. With the extra space Mclean, Martin and Irvine all went close late on but couldn't add to the scoring.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Wilkin, Porteous, Stuart, McQue (Morris), Irvine, Wood (Martin), McLean (Morrison)and Alexander
Claremont man of the match – Gareth Alexander
04/02/06
The Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup 5th round
St Patricks 3 – 0 Brightons
Brightons adventure in the Scottish Cup game to an end against an experienced and well drilled St Pats team. The damage was done in a disastrous first 20 minutes as the locals found themselves 3 down. The first saw a miss hit shot loop over Tony Sime, quickly doubled with a shot into the corner as Brightons struggled to defend a long ball in the face of the sun. Sime then palmed a free kick on to the bar only for the St Pats striker to follow up for a simple tap in as Brightons failed to react. A quick response was needed and Brightons gradually worked their way into the game but failed to create any clear cut chances in the first half.
Brightons had the better of the early exchanges in the second period and despite some dubious refereeing decisions continued to battle away. Graham Speirs fired in a free kick which the home keeper scrambled over the bar. From the resulting corner Brightons were denied a stonewall penalty as the St Pats keeper clearly pushed James Wood although this was conviently missed by the referee.
St Pats were happy to sit on their lead and rarely threatened in the second half as centre half Neil Porteous came on to stormer of a game. Brightons forced a series of corners in one final flurry which saw a clearance off the line. No complaints on the result though as all in all it was a poor performance from Brightons who now need to bounce back and continue their push for the league title.
Team
Sime, Stuart, Stevenson (McLean), Wilkin, Porteous, Newton, Irvine (Morris), Forbes (Morrison), Martin, Wood and Speirs
Subs not used Williamson and Sweeney
Claremont man of the match – Neil Porteous
28/01/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Millbank 0 – 7 Brightons
Brightons continued their excellent run of results to move back to the top of the table with a comfortable victory. Simon Martin partnered James Wood up front with Nicky Irvine dropping back to join the returning Mark Newton in centre midfield. It was a good start from Brightons with wide men Gordon Forbes and Paul Morris both finding plenty of room on the flanks to feed the front pairing. James Wood volleyed home the opener after a cross from Forbes on the left was not properly cleared.
Tony Sime then produced a great save to maintain the lead as Brightons switched off momentarily. Newton had a header palmed onto the post from a pin point cross by Colin Williamson and Martin blasted over from the rebound. Newton then grabbed a hat trick in a stunning 20 minutes. He fired into the roof of the net when Neil Porteous headed down a Forbes corner then delightfully clipped in a Paul Wilkin free kick. Newton then started and finished the move for his third by feeding Forbes on the left who picked out Craig Stevenson on the overlap and his cross to was drilled home by Newton to make it 4-0 at the break.
There was no let up after the break as Wood grabbed his second following a quick throw from Morris. The fresh legs of Sweeney, Morrison and McQue were introduced and veteran striker Wood also grabbed a hat trick with a clinical penalty after Sweeney had been brought down in the box.
Further chances were passed up before Porteous stabbed home from close range from Newton's corner to complete the scoring. This Saturday Brightons face a tough test away to St Patrick's in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.
Team
Sime, Williamson, Stevenson, Wilkin, Porteous, Newton, Morris (McQue), Irvine (Sweeney), Wood, Martin and Forbes (Morrison)
Subs not used McLean and Alexander
Claremont man of the match – Mark Newton
14/01/06
John Smiths Central league Division 1
Brightons 2 - East Kilbride 0
After their successful Scottish cup trip to Aberdeen it was back to league business last Saturday and what on paper looked like a fairly easy task against bottom club East Kilbride. There were 4 changes to the side with Neil Porteous and Mickey McMeechan returning however Graham Speirs and Mark Newton were unavailable. Craig Stevenson moved forward into midfield and there was a welcome return from injury for Robert McLean. Keiran Sweeny made his first start for the club in a completely changed midfield.
The home side started well and a great run and cross from the right by Paul Wilkin was met around the penalty spot by returning Robert McLean. Wee Rab bulleted a header into the top right hand corner of the net with just 5 minutes played. The rest of the half saw Brightons on top but not playing to their potential on the heavy surface. Brightons seemed a bit off the pace against an improved East Kilbride side.
A flurry of activity at the start of the second half saw McLean shoot wide after good play from Tam McQue but Brightons just could not get going and it was a further 15 minutes before the next chance saw Nikki Irvine fire over the bar. Coach Gareth Alexander had no alternative but to ring the changes with all thee subs coming on and this re-energized Brightons for the final 20 minutes. James Wood and Simon Martin both came close with shots off target and Gary McLean has a fine save from Wood after he was set up by Wilkin. At 1-0 it was still tight although Tony Sime had next to nothing to do but it was not until the 86th minute that the points were secured. McLean and Wilkin linked well to set up Wood and the veteran's shot hit the inside of the post and flashed over the line. It could have been 3 in the last minute when a quickly taken free kick by Alexander was volleyed home left footed by Simon Martin in fine style however the referee ordered a retake.
Not the best performance of the season but 3 more vital points in the league campaign. This Saturday Brightons visit Milbank who are struggling in second bottom place in their first season in the John Smiths league. Another victory will keep the promotion dreams alive.
Team
Sime, Wilkin, Forbes, McMeechan, Porteous, Sweeny( Martin), McQue (Williamson), Irvine, Wood, Stevenson (Alexander) and McLean
Subs not used Morrison and Morris
Claremont man of the match - Paul Wilkin
07/01/06
The Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup 4th round
Torry United 1 Brightons 2
Brightons exciting adventure in the Scottish amateur cup continues after a hard fought victory in Aberdeen last Saturday. It was an early rise for the depleted squad who traveled by coach to the granite city minus the backbone of their defense with Porteous and McMeekin both unavailable. The pitch was in good shape and the weather by Aberdeen standards not too bad as the games started with an early kick off. Exchanges were fairly even until a scintillating 6 minutes brought three goals. Brightons opened the scoring in 15 minutes when a long clearance from goal by Tony Sime was head flicked on by Paul Morris and as the home defence hesitated veteran James Wood raced in to drag the ball clear of the keeper and fire home. "Woody" made it 2 just 5 minutes later when another long kick by Sime bounced over the defense and he send a cute back-header over the advancing keeper.
Brightons were elated by this start but paid the price for losing concentration just 60 seconds later when Chris Clark took advantage of slackness to pull a goal back for the home side.
The rest of the first half was played mainly in the Torry half as Brightons pressed with the wind behind them however they could not add to their lead.
What a let off in the first minute of the second period though when Richard Masson, who had shown great skill throughout the first 45 dribbled his way past a number of desperate tackles and as he lined up to shot in front of goal Sime slipped to the ground. The equaliser seemed inevitable however somehow Sime recovered to block the shot.
Torry were throwing everything forward however the makeshift Brightons defense were holding firm and it was Masson again who came closest when his shot across goal shaved the outside of the post.
With some fresh legs on Brightons hauled themselves back into the game as time slowly moved on and a couple of chances went begging. Some great play up the left opened the home defense and the cross was heading to the unmarked Wood until Tam McQue raced forward and reached the ball first but shot wide.
The final moments were tense but the locals held out for a battling victory and it was a happy squad who partied on the bus coming home.
team Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Wilkin, Stevenson, Newton (Alexander), Morris (Sweeny), McQue, Wood, Irvine (Simon Martin), and Forbes.
booked McQue and Wilkin
Claremont Man of the Match - James Wood
17/12/05
John Smiths Central League Division 1
Brightons 3 Waterside 0
Brightons ended the year with another impressive and ultimately comfortable victory at a very cold Linlithgow last Saturday. The pitch was hard, particularly in the goalmouths and it was not a day for fancy football. The early exchanges were more or less even and it was 20 minutes before the first close thing arrived when James Wood fired a shot just wide. The returning Mikey McMeechin came even closer when he got on the end of a Mark Newton free kick only to see his effort rebound from the bar.
The opener was just delayed however until the 42nd minute and was worth waiting for. A great dribbling run by Graham Speirs opened up the visitors defense and when he slipped the ball through Nicky Irvine turned beautifully and slotted the ball into the net.
It was almost 2-0 just on the half time whistle when Irvine was on the end of a great move involving Colin Williamson, Paul Morris and Newton. This time however he could only watch as Alan Schofield reacted fantastically in the Waterside goal to push the shot over the bar.
Waterside should have equalised early in the second half as they asserted themselves and Brightons went into their shells a little. Two clear chances however failed to even get the ball on target and from there the threat fizzled out with Tony Sime seldom troubled.
Indeed Schofield was by far the busier keeper and made a couple of fine saves before Wood put Brightons 2 up. Running onto a through ball the veteran striker was clear on the keeper and hit it well enough that despite a firm hand by Schofield the ball still crossed the line. Grant Morrison, a significant contributor as a second half substitute then came close on a couple of occasions as Brightons powered on and the icing on this victory was completed when he linked up with Speirs who then fed Simon Martin and received a perfect back heel flicked return which he duly deposited in the back of the net.
A good finish to the year then for the home side whose next match is an important trip to Aberdeen for the 4th round of the Scottish Cup to play Torry United on Saturday 7/1/06.
team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, McMeechin, Porteous, Forbes, Morris, Irvine (Sweeny), Wood (Simon Martin), Newton and Scott (Morrison)
subs not used:- Stephen Martin and Thomas McQue
booked:- Williamson, Irvine and Simon Martin
Claremont man of the match :- Neil Porteous
10/12/05
The Soccer World Scottish Amateur cup 3rd round
St. Thomas FC 2 Brightons AFC 3
The long trip West proved fruitful for Brightons on Saturday as they made their way through to the 4th round of this years Scottish cup after a tough and entertaining tussle with ST. Thomas.
On a heavy pitch the locals were shocked within 2 minutes of kick off when from a needlessly conceded free kick the ball was rolled to Richard Duguid and he hit a tremendous shot from around 30 yards into the corner of the net.
It took a while to recover from that blow however gradually Brightons fought back and started to make headway towards Fred McClure in the St. Thomas goal. Gordon Forbes shot just wide from good position after a neat move involving James Wood who was then judged marginally offside as he slotted home a cross from Nicky Irvine. It was the same two players who combined for the eaqualiser as Irvine fired the ball home on 25 minutes. Paul Morris then burst into the game and was very unlucky to see a header come back off the bar then another good headed effort strike a post as Brightons took control.
The second half saw the tempo of the game continue at a high level and in an incredible 5 minutes 3 goals came along.
Wood put Brightons ahead on 55 minutes when he raced onto a through ball from Neil Porteous and shot home at the second attempt after McClure had blocked his first effort. However the lead lasted only 2 minutes when slackness in the penalty box resulted in a scrambled equaliser by Sean Connolly. The goal of the game came just 2 minutes later when Mark Newton crashed a 25 yard free kick into the bottom corner of the net.
Substitute Stephen Martin came very close to securing victory when released by a fine long ball from Morris before a late rally by St. Thomas saw "Chico" Diamond and Brian Burke go close to snatching an eaqualiser.
However it was not to be "Chico time" rather "Brightons time" as they held firm to progress into round 4.
team
Sime, Williamson, Speirs, Wilkin, Porteous, Forbes, Morris, Irvine (Sweeny), Wood (Stephen Martin), Newton and Scott (Morrison)
subs not used David Martin and Simon Martin
Claremont Man of the Match Neil Porteous
14/11/05
The Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup 2nd round
Glenrothes 0 Brightons 2
Hoping for a good run in this years competition Brightons were comfortable winners in this tie producing a competent display that was only narrow due to some poor finishing and an excellent display by Michael Aird in the home goal.
Brightons started strongly and the front pair of Nicky Irvine and Gareth Alexander both has good early chances. The former firing just over the bar and then producing a fine run and cut back that Alexander was on the end of only to see his shot blocked by the keeper.
Graham Speirs played Irvine in again and this time only a great block by Aird prevented the first goal.
Brightons continues to press for the remainder of the first half and even more so into the second. It was no surprise but non the less a great relief when the opener arrived on the hour and what a great goal it was. Alexander sent Speirs down the left channel and his perfect cross was headed home in fine style by Paul Wilkin.
Alexander then somehow managed to scoop the ball over the bar from a couple of yards before Mark Newton settled the result with a fine second. Speirs was fouled just outside the box and from the resultant free kick Newton fired home.
The third round opens the competition up to all of Scotland so the locals now await the draw for the next round in anticipation.
Team
Sime, Grant, Forbes, McMeeckin, Porteous, Newton, Morris (Wood), Wilkin (Simon Martin), Irvine (McQue), Alexander and Speirs
subs not used Stephen Martin and Williamson
Claremont man of the match - Mark Newton
22/10/05
John Smith's Central league division 1
Colville Park 2 Brightons 0
Brightons slumped to a second successive league defeat after a couple of second half lapses last Saturday in a fast and exciting tussle. Colville Park came down from the Premier League last season and were always going to be a threat to Brightons league aspirations this year. However for the first 45 minutes Brightons matched their opponents and the game was end to end without either keeper being too troubled. The returning Stephen Martin played Nicky Irvine in with a great ball but Christopher Fitzpatrick rushed from his line to block the shot. Tony Sime then made 2 terrific save from a couple of Brian Lindsay 18 yard free kicks before Neil Porteous had a clear header from a corner by Graham Speirs but put it over the bar. The last chance of the first half saw the normally accurate Speirs fire a 20 yard free kick well over.
Brightons made a disastrous start to the second half when Sime failed to hold a high ball under pressure from Thomas Morgan and pulled him down to concede a penalty. Lindsay made no mistake from the spot.
Although the commitment of the Brighton players could not be questioned they failed to create any real chances and slipped 2 behind when a free kick was cleverly worked around the box and Morgan scored from close range.
team Sime, Grant, Stevenson, Forbes, Porteous, Stephen Martin, (Newton) Alexander, Irvine, Wood (Simon Martin), Wikin and Speirs (Morris)
booked Sime, Porteous and Irvine
Claremont man of the match - Neil Porteous
08/10/05
John Smiths Central League Division 1
Brightons 4 Wellhouse 2
Brightons started well and had the lions share of the opening exchanges with Gordon Forbes going close with a 20 yard strike. Brightons kept up the tempo and a lovely turn in the box by Nicholas Irvine resulted in him being upended and a penalty awarded. Graham speirs then stepped up and despatched the kick.
Brightons being Brightons then hit the self destruct button and gave away a soft penalty when Tony Sime clumsily tried to claim a ball but only got the opposing player. The penalty scored, Wellhouse pressed on and scrambled a second just before half time.
A rousing speech from Gareth Alexander and Paul Wilkin got the team up for the second half and Brightons pressed from the off. It looked like a game of missed chances after Simon Martin, James Wood and Irvine all passed up good opportunities.
With 20 minutes left to go, Brightons got the breakthrough and it came in spectacular fashion. Irvine picked the ball up 30 yards out and the ball sat up for him to blast an unstoppable left foot drive high into the net. Brightons pushed on from there and Speirs calmly slotted his second after a goalmouth scramble. Wood, who had had a couple of chances then pounced on an error by the Wellhouse defence and walked the ball into the net for number 4.
A good win for Brightons that keeps them in pole position in the League.
01/10/05
John Smiths Central League Division 1
East Kilbride 1 Brightons 5
Brightons remained top of the league after an easy victory against a very poor East Kilbride side last Saturday. It was not a vintage performance but still too strong for the home side who, even with the strong wind in their favour were lucky to be only 2-0 down after a whirlwind opening 15 Minutes by Brightons. Paul Morris set up Graham Speirs for the first after just 10 minutes and he could have had 3 before a Paul Wilkins corner was headed home by Nicky Irvine for number 2. Irvine then notched his second and Brightons third after 26 minutes when he raced through on a great pass from Craig Stevenson and shot home.
The game was won and Brightons visible eased up. The second half started was a scrappy affair with Brightons not able to produce the same urgency and fluency of the opening quarter.
Tam McQue replace Steven Grant after an hour and livened the play but it was Speirs who notched his second when home keeper Gary Johnston allowed his 25 yard free kick to squirm past him.
3 more times Brightons had the ball in the back of the net but on each occasion, the referee ruled offside. Slackness in midfield then gifted East Kilbride a late consolation from Matthew Shaw whose week effort somehow found the net. There was still time for Graham Speirs to complete his hat trick when a quick shy by Irvine gave him time to pick his spot.
Team Sime, Grant (McQue), Stevenson (Alexander), Comrie, Porteous, Wilkins, Morris (Williamson), S. Martin, Irvine, Forbes and Speirs
Claremont man of the match - Graham Speirs
30/08/05
The first 2 weeks of the new season has seen a mixed start for a very changed Brightons side. With a new coach and a number of players joining as some old stalwarts moved out a settling in period was only to be expected. Unfortunately the old Brightons problems of injuries and suspensions have stretched resources even this early in the season with some key players missing.
The league campaign got off to a satisfactory start with an in the end comfortable 5-0 home victory over Cumbernauld Clyde on 20 August 2005. In this season's league cup competition local rivals Steins, who were promoted last term were defeated 2-0 however Brightons failed to reach the knock out stages as they rather meekly surrendered 2-1 to newcomers Chryston at home last weekend. A scrappy first half ended in delight for the home side when Jamie Wood scored from the spot for his 4th goal of the season however a disappointing second half slump saw the visitors dominate and come close on several occasions. With 13 minutes left they deservedly equalized and then notched the winner with seconds remaining.
Brightons, who are sponsored by "The Claremont", Polmont this season now have to work hard to ensure that the good start to the league campaign continues.