The Magpie song goes One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl and four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold and seven for a secret never to be told.
Leading up to Brighton facing Newcastle United, I worried that the Magpies would beat the Seagulls. But there was no sorrow at St James’ Park.
The sorrow instead came two days later on Monday 13th May when Adam Lallana revealed his secret which had never been told… he would be leaving the Albion at the end of the season.
I certainly did not see that coming. Since joining Brighton four years ago, Lallana has become a vital part of the Albion’s backbone.
He has supported the younger players as well as showcasing his amazing football talent on the pitch. His first touch and the way he always seems to find a Brighton teammate to pass to even in the most difficult of situations have been a joy to watch.
In light of the decision, Lallana spoke to Johnny Cantor for BBC Radio Sussex. It was an emotional interview which left me with a tear in my eye.
Lallana comes across as such a sincere and genuine man. The warmth with which he speaks about everyone at the Albion goes to show the spirit which exists around the club.
He said the way Brighton treat players and the lengths they go to is unique in football; something with a player which all his experience would know about.
I hope Lallana gets the send off he deserves on his final appearance as a player at the Amex against Manchester United on Sunday.
We all wish him well as he looks to spend more time with his family. There remains the possibility he may return to Brighton in a coaching role in the future.
From what we have seen of Lallana during his time with Brighton, management is something I am sure he will excel at.
Whilst the Albion made their long journey to the north east, I was heading in the opposite direction for a holiday in the south west. Namely, Cornwall.
With all the tech suitably set up in the car, I was able to listen to the Albion Unlimited Podcast followed immediately by BBC Radio Sussex‘s coverage, starting at 2pm.
This was done by accessing the live commentary through the Albion website via my phone (thank you unlimited data) and routing it through the car speakers.
Johnny and Warren came through loud and clear. All I had to worry about was not hitting anything on the road celebrating a Brighton goal or driving over the middle of a roundabout if Newcastle scored.
Roberto De Zerbi said before the game how incredible he found St James’ Park last season. It certainly looked impressive from the highlights, 50,000 Geordies waving their coloured flags and singing their hearts out.
You could still hear the Albion support stuck up in the far corner of the stadium. Those who travelled were a credit to the club.
Dan Burn was chosen to captain Newcastle. What a proud moment that must have been for him against his old club.
I wonder if Burn being given the honour for the Magpies’ final home game of the season is a sign Eddie Howe intends on standing him down next season?
He gave everything during his time with the Albion. I don’t think any of us could begrudge him the opportunity to play for his hometown club.
It was Joel Veltman who gave Brighton the lead in the Newcastle sun with 18 minutes played. Veltman described it afterwards as “his only goal of the season.” It doesn’t matter, Joel, they all count!
Pascal Gross delivered an excellent corner from the right. It glanced off the head of Danny Welbeck and Veltman was in determined mood at the back post to tuck home a poacher’s finish.
Newcastle had their moments, of course. Three points for the Magpies would have taken them a step close to securing a place in the Europa League for next season.
Bart Verbruggen was forced to make a good save from close range when a corner from Anthony Gordon caused problems in the Albion box.
Julio Enciso began to shine in response. His through ball gave Danny Welbeck a chance thwarted by Martin Dubravka. There were other chances for Brighton before Newcastle equalised in the fifth minute of first half injury time.
The move was started by Gordon down the left. He played a one-two with Elliott Anderson and eventually a low cross was tapped in by Sean Longstaff.
It was a shame for the Albion to concede so close to the whistle being blown. They had done so well through the opening 45 minutes.
Brighton were fortunate not to concede early in the second half. Tariq Lamptey slid in to clear a cross away, the ball looped into the air and it needed Verbruggen to tip over the bar to prevent an own goal.
The Magpies thought they had another breakthrough late on, only for the assistant referee to put his flag up straight away against Gordon.
After what had happened in first half stoppage time, each injury minute after the 90 felt like an hour. Brighton though held on for a very credible point.
Less credible were the dives produced by Enciso and his Paraguayan compatriot Miguel Almiron. Both Enciso and Almiron were booked and their antics in auditioning for the Paraguay Olympic diving squad called out on BBC Match of the Day.
The result moved Brighton into 10th in the Premier League table. With the addition of European football and all the injury problems, I feel finishing in the top half would be an amazing outcome for the season.
There are two home games now left to secure that placing. Having booked my week away before the Chelsea match was rearranged, I will have to settle for listening live on Wednesday night.
Normal service will be resumed for Sunday and the final match of the season when Brighton beat United.
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
Seagulls Best Ever Season Volume 2 charts Brighton’s record breaking 2022-23 campaign through the eyes of Tony Noble, an East Stand Upper season ticket holder at the American Express Stadium. It is available from Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon Bookstore and all good bookshops as well as the Albion Superstore at the Amex and via this link.
