Manchester United 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 0
Albion were beaten but certainly not disgraced in their first FA Cup quarter final since 1986.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku in the first half and a late second by Nemanja Matic just before the end didn’t tell an accurate story of the match.
United have not conceded a goal in the FA Cup this season, but just before Lukaku’s opener Lewis Dunk brought a great save from Sergio Romero in the United goal.
Leo Ulloa and most notably Ezequiel Schelotto, with a scuffed effort which fizzed across the goal, had good chances for the Seagulls.
Juan Mata forced Albion keeper Tim Krul into a good save and Chris Smalling hit the outside of the post for the home team.
But it was Albion’s midfield that was catching the eye with the ultra-consistent Davy Propper and the at times excellent Pascal Gross controlling that part of the pitch.
Albion looked more accomplished in the second half with Ulloa and Jurgen Locadia linking up well with together.
Locadia had two efforts that almost brought about an Albion goal, a header from the edge of the six-yard box from a Solly March cross, albeit at at tight angle, then a superb snapshot from the D of the penalty area, which United’s second choice keeper Romero pushed over the bar. For perspective, although second choice, Romero has over 90 full caps for Argentina.
As the game went on, Albion pushed Dunk forward. His marauding style nearly set up a chance for substitute Glenn Murray. Both Shane Duffy and Dunk were excellent once more.
After Matic’s decisive 83rd minute second goal, Albion had one more chance, a twist and a turn by Gross, but his shot was smothered by Romero.
Albion’s next match is at home to Leicester City in the Premier League at the Amex on Saturday 31 March.
Come on albion // you can do it!