Brighton boss Guy Poyet felt his side were lucky to beat Portsmouth after their 1-0 win at Fratton Park.
Gulls boss admits luck was on his side; Cotterill feels point was fair
Brighton boss Guy Poyet felt that his side were lucky to beat Portsmouth after their 1-0 win at Fratton Park - their first there in 26 years.
The Seagulls' record signing Craig Mackail-Smith scored the winner on the stroke of half-time, before Liam Lawrence missed the chance to equalise in the dying minutes after his penalty rebounded off the post.
It meant maximum points from Poyet's men's bright start to the season, having won on the opening day and settling into life well in the Championship having been promoted from League One last term.
The Uruguayan did admit however that his team had fortune on their side, but overall were deserving of the win.
"Sometimes in these situations luck is with you because of course that penalty in the last seconds could have taken two points from us," said Poyet.
"That luck went for the team and I think they deserved it.
"It was a south coast derby and this is a tough place to come to.
"It needed some character and I think we showed that.
"We kept to our way of playing and it didn't matter that we were away from home and whether it was 0-0 or we were 1-0 up.
"Portsmouth put I don't know how many balls into the box and we were brave enough to repel them."
Cotterill frustrated
Pompey manager Steve Cotterill was frustrated to see his team defeated and felt they were good value for a point.
"We created enough chances to win two south coast derbies so it is frustrating," he said.
"But we have to swallow that and lift ourselves for the next game against Reading on Tuesday night."
Cotterill was also excited about the arrival of former star Benjani, and felt he would play a significant role for the season to come following his free transfer back to the south coast.
He said: "He is a fantastic lad and brings energy - he will give everybody a lift," Cotterill added.
"It all happened quickly but he has trained with us and will be with us from now so it is a boost.
"We hope he will give the team something extra."
