After seven months on the sidelines, Richie Towell made a successful return for Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night.
The Dubliner had not been seen on the pitch since coming off the bench during his side’s Championship playoff semi-final first leg against Sheffield Wednesday in May.
He found himself on the bench for the return leg, but was was not brought on as Brighton’s hopes of reaching the English top flight for the 2016/17 season were dashed.
Towell had not played a minute of football this season before tonight, as a knee injury had kept him out of action for an extended period. However, he was given the nod to play for Brighton’s U23s as they hosted Leyton Orient in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The 2015 PFAI Player of the Year’s comeback game was a success as he netted the game-winning goal for the Gulls after just 16 minutes.
16: GOOAALL!! Towell opens the scoring. #BHAFC 1 #LOFC 0
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 8, 2016
16: GOOAALL!! Towell finishes brilliantly into the top corner, following Manu's effort that was cleared off the line. #BHAFC 1 #LOFC 0
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 8, 2016
It may only be the Checkatrade Trophy and Chris Hughton has suggested that he may need to go out on loan to rediscover his form, but this is certainly a promising sign for the 25-year-old, and the Irish fans were thrilled with his successful comeback.
https://twitter.com/LOIDOTIE/status/796107214863945729
Good to see Richie Towell on the scoresheet for @OfficialBHAFC 23's 2night in the #EFLTrophy ! Hopefully gets a look in the first team soon!
— Ciarán Laighléis (@CiaranLawless) November 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/robsullivan11/status/796121261172785157
Delighted for Richie Towell! He is a top player 👍🏼 Hopefully kick on now from that awful injury!
— Jason O’Connor (@Jayoconnor8) November 8, 2016
Also love the fact @richie_towell got on the scoresheet! Underrated and shame it hasn't workout yet! #Hopeful
— Jose Maskell (@Joemaskell95) November 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/SeamusMadda/status/796108363105009664
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