Derby County 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 0
The Albion were unlucky not to claim all three points after a goalless draw with Derby County at Pride Park this afternoon.
The Albion were the better team for long periods of the match with Spanish pair Andrea Orlandi and David Lopez proving very influential for the Seagulls.
Orlandi had a shot deflected wide from a Lopez centre. Then Lopez hit a sweet free kick just over the bar.
Orlandi, Will Buckley and Ashley Barnes all went close for the Albion.
However, Buckley picked up an injury prior to half time and was replaced by Stephen Dobbie.
Dobbie and Barnes looked to have formed a good partnership during the second half but, as in recent weeks, Albion could not forge an opening that might present an opportunity to score.
Having Bruno Saltor back in the team was a bonus for the Albion. He enhances Albion’s prospects of creativity. The Spanish full back was linking up well with compatriots Orlandi and Lopez.
After Liam Bridcutt scraped Derby’s crossbar, and Derby almost engineered a bizarre own goal, the Rams fought they’re way back into the game.
Albion can again be thankful for the hugely influential presence of Tomasz Kuszczak, who once again showed his agility and international class.
The Seagulls drop to fifth place in the Championship.