View From The Stands: Brighton & Hove Albion

Gary Symonds started going to Brighton women’s matches to fill a spare Sunday and was held by one game full of goals and a friendly atmosphere. He now tries to make every fixture home and away, the furthest so far a day trip to Newcastle, and says only his annual fortnight abroad stops him. His match of the season is the 4-2 play-off final win over Northern Division champions Albion Ladies, with promotion to the WSL at stake and Kate Natkiel scoring what he calls a wonder goal. Kirsty Barton’s work rate and passing, and Sophie Perry’s calmness from free-kicks and penalties, get his votes. He is looking forward to Everton away, recommends the women’s game to anyone as a family day out, and welcomes the move to a winter calendar.