- Albion are beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre
- J’Neil Bennett scores the winning goal for Spurs
- Result is the third league defeat of the season for Mark Beard’s side
- The Seagulls are next in action at home to Norwich City on Saturday
Mark Beard’s men were left pointless as the Spurs winger managed to convert with a stunning 25-yard strike, finding the top left-hand corner of Fynn Talley’s net.
Nevertheless, it was fairly even during the first half of the fixture, but the Albion goalkeeper, Talley, certainly proved his worth throughout.
Towering Spurs striker Kion Etete caused issues for the Albion early on and forced multiple saves out of Talley, which was a wake-up call for the Seagulls.
On the half-hour mark, the Albion carved out their first threatening opportunity of the contest, as Marc Leonard’s swinging cross found Ben Wilson, whose effort looped over the bar.
However, despite the fairly even start to proceedings, it would be fair to state that Tottenham’s youngsters started to grow in confidence as the game progressed.
Prior to half-time, Tottenham midfielder Rafferty Pedder asked another question to the Albion stopper, as he shot from close range following a cross, however, Talley responded with an impressive reactional save.
Furthermore, Spurs captain Dennis Cirkin made a positive driving run into the Albion box and forced a near-post save from Talley, denying Spurs once again.
With Spurs gaining momentum and confidence, it was clear that maintaining a clean sheet was the highest priority. Young Albion captain Antef Tsoungui demonstrated this in the 65th minute by throwing himself in front of not one, but two shots on target, as he denied Romaine Mundle and Etete from gifting Spurs the lead.
Despite Talley’s heroics between the sticks, the defensive wall had fallen in the 73rd minute, as Bennett’s wonder-strike proved to be the difference between the two sides. The Spurs winger found the top left-hand corner, and his strike was simply out-of-reach for Talley.
The Albion had an opportunity to equalise within the dying minutes, as Ayo Tanimowo’s tricky feet won Brighton a free-kick on the edge of the area. Unfortunately, Matt Everitt’s shot hit the wall and the final whistle soon followed.
Therefore, Tottenham returned to north London with all three points, while Mark Beard’s Albion side will look ahead to their next fixture against Norwich City on Saturday.
ALBION: Talley; Tanimowo, Tsoungui (Clarke-Eden 66’), Cocoracchio, Furlong; Vukoje, Offiah (Turns 82’), Leonard; Wilson (Miller 66’), Everitt, Leahy.
SUBS NOT USED: Rees (GK), Dackers.