There was no trouble before, during or after in the city or at the ground. It was the type of welcome visiting fans should have as I wore a blue scarf and walked from the train station to Molineux without any hint of bother. Crucially the lack of history between Brighton and Wolves took any the edge off the evening.

Instead the focus was shifted to fans' anthems, the football and the banter.

The Seagulls fans sang gloriously and teased their counterparts mercilessly - especially after taking the lead.

Home fans responded with cries of "Does your boyfriend know you're here?" to the visitors from the south coast resort known for its gay scene.

Hardly award-winning comedy, but as terrace wit goes, it was a pretty good effort for the South Bank.

Yes, they did play the Liquidator and cometh the hour cometh the chant.

Heavy rain dampened the Wolves fans' spirits further at the final whistle and the fans hurried to homes and hostelries after a disappointing night.

As for the no-show Wolves hooligans? Send 'em to Iraq. Mind you, if it's raining in Baghdad you can bet they won't show then either.

© Express & Star, Wolverhampton 2002