Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale scored two freakish own goals on Friday as
the Seagulls lost 0-2 at Norwich to miss out on securing the Championship title in
England.
Brighton goalkeeper, David Stockdale was cursing his luck on Friday night after scoring
two identical own goals at Norwich.
Stockdale may have been celebrating promotion with the Seagulls at the start of
the week, but by Friday evening he was left reeling with two unlucky comical incidents
at Carrow Road.
First, the Seagulls stopper could not reach Alex Pritchard’s long-range effort in the 18th
minute, with the ball coming out off the post, off his back and into the net. And on 39 minutes the unthinkable happened again, as Pritchard’s effort again came off
the woodwork and over the line, via Stockdale.
That meant Norwich went into the break 2-0 up having not even hit the target with one of their shots. It also meant Norwich
were benefiting from an own goal for the third time in their last four home games.
Brighton, who were promoted to the Premier League on Monday, needed a victory to wrap up the Championship title.
Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Chris Hughton spoke on the two own goals and
said:
“That’s not something I have ever seen before. It happens to keepers from time to time, but not usually twice in one game.
“Obviously there is no blame attached to David at all – he was just trying to make the
saves and the ball just came back off him.
“What I would say is that we were punished for allowing the player to get his shot away
by not closing him down on the edge of the box.
“Norwich have got a lot of quality in their side and when that happens you are asking
for trouble.”
Brighton must now wait until at least Monday to clinch the title, as Newcastle must avoid defeat against Preston to take the race
into the penultimate round of fixtures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW-Gc4bPUH4
