Prior to the 1976/7 season Brighton's rarely played Palace and the rivalry with Portsmouth was greater. Following a series of FA cup games against Palace [before penalty shoot outs existed] a grudge was developed due to Palace getting the rub of the green and the benefit of bizarre refereeing decisions and a perceived smug response by their fans.
The rivalry continued inevitably as both teams rose simultaneously through the divisions, Palace continuing to get the rub of the green and decisions. Boxing day 1979 with Palace dubbed the team of the 80s and Brighton fighting a relegation battle saw a clash at the Goldstone which smashed the jinx. Arguably one of Brighton's five best ever wins in history. Late season 1981 John Gregory came to life at Selhurst as Brighton took Palace apart. Palace were relegated CLOSURE!
A couple of seasons later a great performance by Danny Wilson and an easy win at Palace but to me it was just another game with a hint of spice. AS IT SHOULD BE.
The rivalry continued inevitably as both teams rose simultaneously through the divisions, Palace continuing to get the rub of the green and decisions. Boxing day 1979 with Palace dubbed the team of the 80s and Brighton fighting a relegation battle saw a clash at the Goldstone which smashed the jinx. Arguably one of Brighton's five best ever wins in history. Late season 1981 John Gregory came to life at Selhurst as Brighton took Palace apart. Palace were relegated CLOSURE!
A couple of seasons later a great performance by Danny Wilson and an easy win at Palace but to me it was just another game with a hint of spice. AS IT SHOULD BE.
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