Brighton & Hove Albion v West Brom: The key points from Chris Hughton's post-match press conference

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton felt his side 'didn't do enough to win the game' after their goalless draw with West Brom in the fourth round of the FA Cup this evening.
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting Photography.Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting Photography.
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting Photography.

The Seagulls struggled to break down their Championship opponents meaning a midweek trip to the Midlands in ten days time for Brighton to determine who will advance to the fifth round.

After the match, Hughton rued the Seagulls lack of clinicality, praised debutant Dan Burn, and paid credit to the Baggies for claiming a battling draw.

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Here are the key points from the Brighton boss' post-match press conference:

Underwhelming FA Cup performance:

"I'm disappointed. On the balance of play I thought we were the better side.

"I thought we certainly threatened more around their box. The big worry was that they are a side with good pace in the team that could counter attack really well. We ended up having to defend really well to keep us in the game.

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"We didn't do enough to win the game and we didn't test the 'keeper enough to win the game. We ended up having to defend really well to make sure we didn't go out."

Squad players get 'competitive 90 minutes':

"There's always that balance between players that aren't playing as regularly and getting them up to speed. Players that come in are not going to be at the same level as the ones that are consistently playing. This was their opportunity.

"In regards to being on the ball and what we wanted to get from them out the game, it's a really good, competitive 90 minutes that they've got.

"We didn't do enough in the game to win it. Credit to West Brom, they came with a gameplan and worked very hard.

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"I thought they had to defend well and I think they'll feel they deserved to get the result they did."

Dan Burn's debut:

"I thought he did really well and probably the only disappointing thing was that he had to be. In the second half we found them breaking at us, and I thought we had to defend very well.

"Considering it was his first game for us, I thought he was very good.

Problems posed by FA Cup replays:

"It's a difficult one because when you're here or perhaps at home and you know the replay is away from home then you feel it should perhaps be settled on the day.

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"I'm not one to mess around with what the rules are. I do think in the latter stages it should be finished on the day but this is a cup competition everyone wants to stay in.

"I'm sure if you ask West Brom if they think it should be settled on the day, I think they would be very happy with a replay."

Locadia penalty shout and VAR:

"From what I saw, it was a penalty but I don't have too many complaints about the game. We've had a good West Brom team here and I think they've earned a replay.

"I have no problems with the result, but on the day we were picked as a VAR game and, even if the referee hadn't seen it, Locadia has gone down in the box. The fact that he's gone down in the box means it should be picked up.

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"In my opinion, and I've seen it again, it looks like a penalty."

Dack in, Schelotto out at the Amex?:

"Bradley Dack is a new one to me. That is one I'm absolutely not aware of.

"For Schelotto, we're working hard for him to go out on loan. We're hoping something will be pushed through.

"Would I expect Schelotto to leave in the window? Yes I would but until something is concrete or confirmed, then he's still our player."

Missing Balogun and Steele's training ground blow:

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"Balogun was ill. He's been ill for the last couple of days.

"Jason Steele came in from training on Thursday and made a save and hurt his wrist, which was a really big blow for us and him, because he would've played today.

"I felt for him. We will see how bad it is."