Match Previews

U23 Preview: Newcastle United V Albion

By Kieran Cleeves • 29 January 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s return to Premier League 2 Division 2 action this evening against Newcastle United at the Northumberland FA, kick-off 7pm.

The Seagulls head into the match after back-to-back cup victories over Sunderland and Whitehawk, but lost on their last league outing against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Simon Rusk’s team secured another three points in the Premier League Cup before reaching the semi-finals of the Parafix Sussex Senior Cup - following consecutive 3-1 successes.

But Reading’s 96th-minute penalty snatched all three points after Henrik Bjordal levelled to make it 1-1 against the Berkshire side - leaving the Seagulls seventh in the league after 14 games.

The sides played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Newcastle shot-stopper Freddie Woodman making a string of fine saves to deny Albion at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Tonight’s opponents sit four points behind Albion in tenth position and have shown inconsistent form in the league over previous weeks.

Victories over Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion came in amongst heavy defeats to Aston Villa and Fulham, before losing to the Canaries 4-3 in their most recent league fixture.

Albion supporters can follow a live text blog from this evening’s game on the Match Centre, with a match report being published after the full-time whistle.