[Manchester City](https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com) welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium as they look to continue their excellent home record over the Seagulls. The Blues have never lost at home to Brighton and have won the last ten league matches in Manchester.
Whilst the Blues have had the upper hand on Brighton, it hasn’t always been plain sailing. And in 1988, the Blues saw just how difficult playing the newly promoted Seagulls would be as they attempted to kickstart their promotion campaign.
In 1988, City were favourites for promotion back to the first division, but from their first four matches, City had only taken two points. The Blues were struggling near the bottom of the table when Brighton arrived and they desperately needed a victory to help keep the faith amongst the Maine Road faithful.
City were in front after just five minutes in a move started and finished by Ian Brightwell. The midfielder won a 50/50 challenge to start the game’s first attack. Paul Moulden picked up the loose ball and passed to Trevor Morley, who lofted the ball over the defence for the onrushing Brightwell to hit the ball over the keeper and into the back of the goal.
That should have opened the floodgates but the Blues had just the one goal to show for their efforts at the end of the first half. And they would soon be punished for not taking their chances.
Kevin Bremner equalised for the visitors six minutes into the second half and it looked like the Blues would drop points for the fifth time of the new season.
However, a stunning goal by Paul Moulden secured the point for the first time of the season. The striker took a throw in from Neil McNab, then twisted his way past two defenders, then curled a perfect shot into the top corner to put City back in front.
Brighton tried to get back into the match and City had further chances to increase the lead but held on for a nervy 2-1 victory that would finally kickstart their campaign.