Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Solly March conceded that Albion’s failure to capitalise on opportunities in the second half cost them in Saturday evening’s Emirates FA Cup defeat.
The Seagulls bowed out of the competition with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United – with goals in either half from Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic proving the difference between the two sides.
He said, “In many ways it's similar to the first game we played here back in November – I think we created some chances - but we need to put them away.
“Maybe we fell asleep for their two goals, but other than that I thought we looked solid so we’re disappointed.
“In the second half we were on top, we broke a few times and the manner of the goals which we conceded is frustrating for us because we didn’t feel like they opened us up much at all.
“They had some passes into the box and a few one-twos that looked nice, but apart from that they didn’t slice through us.”
The wide-man started the game in the north-west on the right flank and looked lively throughout his time on the field, and is hopeful for a run of games in the side during an important upcoming period in the campaign.
“It’s nice to be back in the starting line-up – I want to start more matches and hopefully the 70 minutes stands me in good stead.
“The next two matches in the league are really big for us because if we can get some points from them at home – where we’ve been strong this season, then I think we’ll be in a good place.
“We have a break now, but we can take encouragement from the game– they’re a top side and both times we’ve played here this season we could’ve taken more.”
One name that Albion fans may have been less familiar with within the squad on Saturday evening was midfielder Max Sanders – named on the bench for the game with Jose Mourinho’s men after impressing for the in-form under-23 side in recent weeks.
March was keen to praise the young midfielder, highlighting the value of the experience of being in the first team squad.
“A bright point tonight is seeing Max on the bench – he’s been training with us for the last week and he’s done well.
“The manager’s rewarded him and hopefully he can take motivation from the experience and push on.
“I’ve come through the academy too so I can relate to him as well, it’s great for him and hopefully he takes inspiration from it and uses it between now and the end of the season.”