Memorable Turf Moor Triumphs
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Burnley at Turf Moor, here’s a look back at two memorable victories that Brighton & Hove Albion recorded over the Clarets, some ten years apart. 10th August 2002: Burnley 1 Albion 3 The Seagulls had just been promoted to the second tier of English football, following back-to-back championships in Division Three and Division Two under the management of Micky Adams and Peter Taylor. But Albion travelled to Burnley on the opening day of the season with Martin Hinshelwood in charge, after Taylor departed at the end of the 2001/02 season. Albion were clear underdogs at Turf Moor, but a remarkable performance from the Division One newcomers shocked the 14,738 supporters in attendance, as the Seagulls made a sublime start to the campaign. Steve Melton latched onto Bobby Zamora’s through-ball in the 26th minute and calmly slotted the ball past Nik Michopoulos to give the Seagulls a 1-0 lead. Arthur Gnohere was given his marching orders for the hosts, and Paul Brooker took full advantage in the 65th minute to double the lead, as he cut in off the left wing and curled an effort into the bottom corner. Zamora made it 3-0 shortly afterwards with a close-range finish, and despite conceding a 90th-minute goal, the Seagulls sent their travelling supporters home with smiles on their faces and three points in the bag. 1st September 2012: Burnley 1 Albion 3 Albion were enjoying their second season back in the Championship and Gus Poyet’s men travelled to Turf Moor after taking four points from their opening three games of the season. Craig Mackail-Smith and Ashley Barnes led the line for the Seagulls, while Charlie Austin provided an attacking threat for the hosts, who had taken three points from their first three matches. The Seagulls made a confident start to the game and Mackail-Smith volleyed his team in front from just outside the penalty area in the 18th minute. Gordon Greer was unfortunate to see his touch on a Burnley cross divert the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak on the hour mark, but it didn’t knock Albion’s confidence as they retook the lead in emphatic fashion. Bruno whipped a cross into the penalty area from the right wing, and Mackail-Smith met the Spaniard’s fine delivery with a brilliant bicycle kick, which nestled into the far corner of Burnley’s net. Greer then made up for his own goal to make it 3-1 in the 88th minute - heading in from Andrea Orlandi’s corner - which secured victory for the Seagulls in front of 11,413 fans in Lancashire.