Manager Sean Dyche and Ben Mee have both given their thoughts following the point gained against 18 unbeaten Brighton at the weekend.
Video – Brighton Highlights (h)
Audio – Dyche & Mee Talk Brighton
Speaking to the Official Site in his post game press conference, Dyche said for him it was another positive display from the team and having created enough chances on the day to have taken the win he was going to be happy with that and a credible point against the current joint table toppers.
‘Chances wide we definitely edged it, but I thought it was a good game between two very good sides. On the feel of the game it was always looking like a close one and they got a fortuitous start, with the ball bouncing around our box and landing at their feet for them to score. It was a great immediate response though, with a definite penalty and I`m pleased with that because we`ve not had many given this season.’
Dyche went on to say that with the penalty being given for shirt pulling in the box, he found it curious that there wasn’t more consistency from the referee in extremely similar circumstances during the rest of the game.
‘I found it impossible that their two centre halves weren`t in trouble earlier in the game for pulling Andre Gray`s shirt. But I don`t want to overthink that and I thought it was an excellent decision for the penalty. We then created enough chances to win the game, but in the end we have to be realistic with the challenge. Brighton are a good side and so are we and we have done enough to edge the game today and that`s what you have to do, but we go away with another positive feeling within ourselves and we`ll go again next week.’
With Sam Vokes missing out with an injured groin and him not coming through a late fitness test earlier in the day, Dyche went on to say.
‘We have a strong unit and mental strength. We had a big blow with losing Sam before the game and he`s been a big part of what we are about this season, yet the team played with clarity and with a good organisation to take the game on. I`m pleased with the respect of the group too. You can see how they are willing to work for each other and they don`t do disappointments. We respond well and with clear minds.’
As for Mee, he agreed it was a good point on the day but with greater chances falling our way there was some disappointment that we didn’t take all three points, and of course a win would’ve been the perfect way to cap his 150th club appearance.
‘It`s disappointing not to win the game but they`re a decent side and they`re on an unbeaten run as well. We wanted to start fast and we knew they would come and try to start quickly because they have done in every game they`ve played. We were disappointed to concede so early but it`s how you react and we did so really well. We created a number of opportunities after the penalty. I think we created the more clear-cut chances. They knocked the ball around really well as Brighton teams usually do. They work well as a unit but we`re disappointed not to get the three points.’
As for the penalty award, Mee admitted he felt it was a stonewaller.
‘I thought it was a penalty. I could hear the rip on his shirt from where I was. They`re not usually but they should be given because he`s going to knock that back into the danger area. It`s been a brilliant start for us. We`re on an unbeaten run at the minute but it`s a long season with lots of games as everyone knows. We`re in with a shout and we`re fighting up there for top spot. We`ll be going to Cardiff now next week in the right frame of mind to win another game.’
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