Brighton uphold FA Cup traditions as they win at Norwich.

NORWICH CITY 0 ALBION 4

More than 11 years ago, Solly March made an impression on Albion supporters with a spectacular goal in a friendly against Norwich City. He made his competitive debut by scoring away from home in the FA Cup. So what better way for him to take the next step towards full match fitness than with a banging performance at Carrow Road? True, his curler, which finished the scoring in this third-round clash, may have been thrown out by VAR if this had been a Premier League game. However, after this training session in Norfolk, the day when he returns to the Premier League stage seems closer.

He came on as a substitute and hit a curler past goalie George Long, adding to goals by Georginio Rutter (two) and Julio Enciso. March told The Argus: “The physio stated it was only 30 minutes. “I could have played 45, but there’s no point hurrying things right now. “It’s been 14 months, so I’ve just got to take it one step at a time and maybe build on that over the next weeks. “I believe everyone had a good afternoon. “Obviously we haven’t won a game for too long so it was nice to get a win with a couple of goals scorers, so yes, a nice afternoon.”

This was their first win in nine games (they had lost two in 11), so the post-match mood was better than it had been in a long time. In addition to March, Danny Welbeck and Adam Webster received valuable playing time following injuries. Welbeck, looking offside, was closing down on Brajan Gruda’s ball before March took over. The scorer stated: “I’m not sure if he was offside, so I simply said, ‘You’d better leave it to me,’ and I thought, ‘I’m just going to whack it. “Perfect, wasn’t it? “A sweet strike.” March has already been moved to tears by the FA Cup, but it has also provided him with highlights such as his first goal in a good old tussle at Port Vale in 2013-14.

This competition remains an important part of the football calendar, and Albion adhered to its traditions in their approach to the game, including their large and boisterous crowd and team selection. They also adhered to what has become their own holiday custom. For the third season in a row, they visited a decent Championship side and were put to the test for an extended amount of time. However, as in earlier games, they were aided by a vital goal immediately before halftime and went on to win comfortably. This game resembled the 5-1 victory over Middlesbrough two years ago rather than the 4-2 defeat at Stoke last winter.

However, they eventually gained control after Amankwah Forson hit the post from outside the box. There were a couple close calls for the visitors before Rutter headed home a cross from Joel Veltman. Yankuba Minteh, who assisted in the first goal, advanced for the second before releasing Rutter, who shot in as Callum Doyle closed in. To add to the satisfaction that the striker had returned for the second half, Enciso won the ball near the corner flag and finished expertly from wide out. Then came March’s wonderful moment, when he was swarmed by teammates before being assigned to lead the supporters’ jubilation at full-time.

He explained: “Someone was pushing me over to them, so I figured I’d best offer my respect. They were great. “Obviously, they were amazing today, and they were good for everyone. I heard them from the first minute, and hearing your name sung again is good.” And there was a message from former teammate Shane Duffy, who was welcomed on by Albion fans and even encouraged to score when he came on as a substitute against his old club. March stated, “He just said, ‘I’m buzzing for you, you’ve had a rough time, and it was nice for you to get that goal.'” It was wonderful of him. For the first time in a long time, the day was pleasant.

Norwich: Long, Stacey, Cordoba, Doyle (Hills 46), Chrisene (Duffy 79); Nunez (Hernandez 61), McLean, Forson (Fisher 46); Schwartau, Dobbin, Crnac (Sargent 79). Subs not used: Gunn, Mahovo, Gordon, and Myles. Yellow card: none. Albion: Steele; Veltman (Moder 78), Van Hecke, Webster (McConville 71), Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh (March 71), Mitoma; Rutter (Gruda 63), Enciso. Subs not used: Verbruggen, Adingra, O’Riley, Turns. Goals: Rutter 37, 45+2, Enciso 59, March 74.

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