Brighton and Hove Albion 1 - West Ham United 0

By Cian Duffy
November 13 2004

Brighton unexpected beat West Ham 1-0 today, with a 68th minute goal from Guy Butters gaining the advantage. However, defender turned star striker Adam Virgo was amongst those shown the red card during the match.

Virgo was dismissed in the 74th minute for violent conduct, in an incident involving Hayden Mullins, who was also shown the way back to the dressing room for the same incident.

Virgo will likely receive a three match ban for this incident, meaning that new signing Steve Claridge, and woefully out of form former star Leon Knight will have to hold the fort at the front for the next matches. Virgo has only just returned from injury.

Despite his advancing years, Claridge showed himself more than able to play a full 90 minutes for the Albion, and this shows some hope for the team during Virgo's abscence.

West Ham, who were kept in the Championship due to a shock loss to the Albions arch rivals Crystal Palace the day before Brightons playoff final win, were the firm favourites to win this match.