Sami Hyypia watches the action on Saturday
First published in Albion by Andy Naylor, Chief sports reporter
ALBION boss Sami Hyypia has praised David Stockdale for saving his side from becoming the first to lose to Blackpool.
The Seagulls' No.1 was a virtual spectator for the majority of the goalless stalemate.
But Stockdale made a smothering stop late in the second half to foil Ishmael Miller after a mistake by Bruno to celebrate his 29th birthday with a first shut-out at home in the Championship.
Hyypia said: “For the keeper it's very important to keep a clean sheet. When he makes that kind of save it can only be good for him.
“The keeper’s job is very hard. I played at centre-back but the harder job is to be a keeper. When they make mistakes then it is usually a goal for the opposition. Keepers were always my best friends. If I made a mistake then they could correct it.
“I’m very happy for David that he made this save. There would have been more questions if we had lost 1-0.”
Albion go to League Two Burton Albion next on Wednesday night in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
The under-21s visit West Brom tonight (7pm).
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