Mark Brailsford looks at a top six finish

Astonishingly, Albion look like they’ll make the play-offs and fans are starting to glance anxiously at calendars to try and work out a plan. If, (mustn’t forget that word, if) The Seagulls make the play-offs then there is the matter of winning the semi-final. If they progress, then it’s a long wait for Wembley on 27 May which Gus Poyet has been rather scathing about of late. If a team is in the privileged position of making the Wembley final but loses, this leaves very little time to sort out their squad in time to start the following season either in the Championship or the Premier League, depending on the outcome. Regardless, Gus and all Albion fans would be delighted if that planning was for a season in the Premier League.
Wembley El Classico?

For those Albion fans of an optimistic disposition, a possible play-off final awaits, depending on making the top six and successfully negotiating a way past a very strong team in the semi-final. If The Albion do make the final, what are the odds on Palace being the opposition on the day? With a nod to Albion’s Spanish speaking contingent, the phrase for Real Madrid vs Barcelona games, El Classico, has been used to describe matches against Our Friends in the North.

So what would an El Classico at Wembley be like? If the Millwall vs Wigan FA Cup semi-final is anything to go by, the policing might be a tad more robust and it is unlikely to be a late kick off. Crystal Palace supporters will have the same mix of dread and relish as fans of The Albion. The last thing any fan wants is to lose to your fiercest rival at the best of times, but to lose to them in the richest one-off match on the planet with a place in the Premier League at stake, would be almost unbearable.

“The Amex isn’t nicknamed the Cathedral of Dreams for nothing”

It would be much more fun to beat them home and away in the semi-final, then go up with a goal in the 94th minute off Ashley Barnes’ bum in the final. This after the semi-final is settled on penalties, with agent Murray missing his spot kick. It couldn’t get much better than that, could it? The Amex isn’t nicknamed the Cathedral of Dreams for nothing.

Next match: Leeds away

If results go Albion’s way and Blackpool are beaten, this match could conceivably be the one that seals Albion’s play-off place. Not the ideal away fixture for a celebration due to an element in the Leeds mentality, a certain resentment that this “massive massive club” “deserve” to be where Albion are now. Since the beloved Colin, (Neil Warnock to those who don’t do anagrams) has departed, to much relief amongst Leeds fans, Brian McDermott has taken over the manager’s role. He will instill a more positive attitude and a high defensive work rate to deny Albion time to play their natural game. You would not be unusual in thinking this is a possible three points in the bag. This isn’t likely though, Leeds’ pride will mean they will want to beat Albion, who they will see as upstarts.

A draw would be a fine result and could be enough to make the play-offs. There are enough players in the Leeds team to worry Gus Poyet who will be looking to seal the play-off spot ahead of the last game of the season against Wolves, McCormack and Diouf being dangerous on their day. Facing a Wolves side needing a result to stay up on the last day of the season would not make for easy viewing at The Amex, if Albion need a result to guarantee a top six finish. So, Gus Poyet will want to secure the desired top six spot ahead of the final game against Wolves. Leeds is that game. Break out the fancy dress costumes, it might be time to party!

Gus Poyet’s son, Diego, faces Albion’s Development Squad in a penalty-ridden match at Culver Road

Albion’s development squad dented Charlton’s title hopes whilst keeping their own slim play-off chances alive with a 3-2 win at Culver Road last week.

George Barker gave Luke Williams’ side the lead when he scored from the rebound of his saved penalty, before Ade Azeez levelled for the Addicks.

But a second penalty was coolly converted by Jake Forster-Caskey before a late strike from Brennan Dickenson confirmed the points were staying on the south coast, despite an injury-time penalty from Joe Pigott.

The Addicks, who are coached by former Seagull Nathan Jones, came into the game three points behind league leaders Cardiff City with two games left to play.

But the Bluebirds have completed their league campaign and have a significantly weaker goal difference, so Jones’ men knew victory would all but seal the league title.

However, Albion could mathematically remain in the play-off hunt with a win of their own. It was Jones’ side who started brightly and almost went ahead after just four minutes as Bradley Jordan’s free-kick was headed just wide by Azeez before Jordan himself had his stab towards goal hacked off the line by Marcos Painter.

Charlton came straight back into the game and pulled themselves level when Pigott’s low cross from the right was poked home by Azeez – atoning for his earlier miss.

Pigott then came close to turning the game completely on his head and adding his own name onto the scoresheet, but at full stretch he could only guide another Jordan delivery over.

Controversy loomed though as on the stroke of half time when referee Ian Bentley – after considerable deliberation with his linesman – awarded a second spot-kick in Albion’s favour; this time for handball.

Barker stepped aside this time and Forster-Caskey took charge of penalty duties, duly chipping a confident penalty down the middle of the goal to give the Seagulls the lead at the break.

The Addicks came out with purpose following the interval and Harry Lennon cannoned a header off the underside of the bar, which bounced out to safety.

Gus Poyet’s son, Diego, came on for the visitors as Jones’ Charlton searched for a route back into a game they desperately did not want to lose.

But Dickenson’s excellent late half-volley, from the edge of area, lashed into the bottom corner seemingly settled the match.
But there was a third penalty awarded in injury time, this time in Charlton’s favour after Pigott tumbled in the area. He then dispatched home from 12 yards.

Charlton launched the ball forward in search of an equaliser but it was too late and only a win over Millwall in their final fixture will see them crowned champions, while Albion take their play-off hopes to the final day.

Read more Albion news at www.seagulls.co.uk
Words: Adam Tighe