Updated 17.05
RICHIE TOWELL’S DEBUT for Brighton didn’t go according the plan as the Seagulls fell to a 1-0 loss at Hull City today.
Towell played the full 90 minutes of the third-round FA Cup clash and began the game behind the lone striker in a 4-3-2-1 formation.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time through a Robert Snodgrass penalty and Albion were left chasing the game thereafter.
Chris Hughton’s side changed to a 4-4-2 formation around the hour mark and Towell was moved out wide. But the switch failed to spark a revival and Brighton’s winless streak has now reached seven games.
Eligible
After signing with Chris Hughton’s side in December the 24-year-old only became eligible for the club this week as he waited for his transfer to be processed.
And Towell knows he needs to impress to secure a regular spot in a side currently sitting fourth in England’s second tier.
“I just need to get into the team and take my chance when I get it,” he told Brighton’s website.
“I will be ready for the matches coming up and with the upcoming number of fixtures. I will get my chance and grab it with both hands.
“I know it will be difficult; getting 29 goals last season as a midfielder is good, and I know it will be a step up here.
It’s down to me and I will need to work harder, and hopefully I will be able to rake in the rewards by getting goals for Brighton.
Towell’s season with Dundalk ended in style a few months ago with a league and FAI Cup double but that is now a distant memory for the Dubliner, who was last night named the Irish Soccer Writers’ Personality of the Year for 2015.
“It was a bit of a strange one; I had just finished a full season in Ireland where we had a busy schedule with a lot of games. We played in Europe and got to the cup final, so it was similar to the fixture list here.
“The Dundalk gaffer was great because he gave me a couple of weeks off, but I kept on going. I kept my fitness and training levels high with help from my personal trainer because I knew I had to hit the ground running when I came here.
“It’s been frustrating not being able to play. Being at training with the lads has been great, but it’s nothing compared to playing competitive football, and that’s what I’m here to do.
“The break between the end of my season with Dundalk and now has definitely helped. It was a busy time anyway because my girlfriend had our baby a few weeks ago. As soon as she had the baby I made myself available to come down here and train with the lads.”