EXCLUSIVE: Rami Shaaban completed his first competitive game in over two years, guarding the nets of Brighton and Hove Albion, in their 2-1 win over promotion candidates Sunderland, in the English Coca-Cola Championship. His pleasing performance merited him the man of the match award, as well as a place in the 'Team of the Week'.

Shaaban's performance also impressed Brighton manager Mark McGhee, who has said he will try to sort out a longer term deal with the goalkeeper in the coming week.

Rami Pleased

The player expressed his happiness regarding the performance to EgyptianPlayers.com. "My first game went well," he told EP.

"Man of the match and team of the week so I couldn't have had a better start."

However, the keeper still sees room for improvement, "I was a bit rusty but that's understandable because I haven't played a competitive game in two years."

Match Action

Brighton went into the games as underdogs, as a team fighting for survival facing a strong Sunderland side hot on the path for promotion. However, it proved to be a memorable victory for Brighton in front of their 6,700 fans which had come to see them play in their 'temporary' stadium, with the club awaiting planning permission for a new ground. Mark McGhee referred to the ground as 'embarrassing' and described it as a 'dump' after the match.

Brighton took the lead in the 26th minute when Carpenter's shot took a wild deflection and beat Sunderland keeper Thomas Myrhe. 1-0 to Brighton.

In the 30th minute, Brighton attacker, Adam Virgo was sent off by the referee for his second bookable offence, in a decision which manager McGhee was unhappy about.

However, McCammon managed to head home a Carpenter corner on 44 minutes to give Brighton an unexpected 2-0 lead at half time, with Shaaban merely a spectator in the first period.

The second half witnessed waves of attack from Sunderland, and the introduction of Thornton in an attempt by manager Mick McCarthy to get back into the game.

Thornton was quick to test Shaaban on 56 minutes, with a shot which was fairly central but powerful. The keeper was alert and palmed the ball away well.

Shaaban was again called to action to save a low Arca shot.

Attempts from Thornton and Wright followed but Shaaban was again at hand to guard his goal well and defend his team from the flood of attacks that rained on Brighton in this one-sided second half.

Bridges also attempted a shot on goal which went just wide.