Reid's Vivid Memories Of Selhurst Success

Former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Paul Reid highlighted the club’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in 2005 as one of the biggest highlights in his football career - ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park.

Reid played twice against the Eagles in that year - losing the other fixture 3-2 at the Withdean Stadium - but the Australian reflected on Albion’s last victory at Selhurst Park, which was a special night for both the players and supporters.

He said, “I’ve played in some big games throughout my career - I obviously played in the play-off final for Brighton and also some grand finals over here in Australia.

“There’s obviously games that stand out in my career, but the game where we beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park would have to be in my top three.

“Paul McShane scored and I was playing left-back at the time because Kerry Mayo was injured.

“That’s when I really knew how much it meant to the fans. It definitely sticks in my mind as one of the highlights of my career.”

McShane’s winning goal in the 79th minute sent Albion’s travelling supporters into raptures, and Reid admitted he still has vivid memories of the match, which was played out in front of 22,400 fans in Croydon.

“I didn’t realise the rivalry at the time, but I remember the match clearly. People told me about the rivalry prior to the match, and the atmosphere on the night was unbelievable.

“Selhurst Park isn’t a huge ground but it’s a tight ground, so when there’s a full house, the atmosphere can be very good.

“We won the game 1-0 and I remember celebrating with the Brighton supporters. I also got so many phone calls on the coach ride back from friends in Brighton.

“They were telling me that they’d gone to the local pub to celebrate and they were singing on trains. It definitely sticks in my mind as one of the top three games that I’ve ever played.”