WeAreBrighton.com Player of the Month - March 2017

Both of the losses came on the road, a highly disappointing 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in which Forest scored with their only three shots on target and a 2-0 reversal at a raucous Elland Road against a The Leeds United side who are firmly in the play off picture.

As for the victories, there was a routine 2-0 win over bottom of the table Rotherham United as we finally scored a goal at The New York Stadium at the third time of asking. Our only game of the month at the Amex featured a resounding 3-0 success over Derby County which was enough to cost Steve McClaren his job.

Perhaps the main story of March however was the number of injuries picked up, particularly to key defenders. Which means some names that haven't featured heavily in our Player of the Month short lists so far this season are well in contention for the prize...

March 2017 Player of the Month -  Uwe Hunemeier (33.76% of the vote)
	When Shane Duffy picked up a long term injury in the defeat away at Nottingham Forest, it looked like a massive blow. The sort of feeling of dread and worry you'd get if you signed your Nan up to a new doctors surgery only for it to be run by Harold Shipman. That Duffy's absence has hardly been noticed is down to the brilliant form of Uwe Hunemeier. The BFG has spent the best part of a year frustrated on the sidelines but he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands by being absolutely excellent in helping secure clean sheets against Derby and Rotherham and also excelling at Leeds. Played 3 (3 starts). Scored 0.
	Second: Solly March (24.89% of the vote) He may not have started a game in March, but that didn't stop Solly March claiming second place in the poll. He scored his second goal of the season in the 2-0 win against Rotherham and it remains a mystery as to why Chris Hughton won't unleash him from the start.
	Third: Sam Baldock (14.77% of the vote) Last months winner continued that fine form to secure third place. Scored another goal in an impressive performance in the victory over Derby and played a big part in securing the three points at Rotherham. Quite rightly is now one of the first names on the team sheet.

The contenders:
	Sam Baldock - Added another goal to his collection in the 3-0 win over Derby County in which he proved a constant threat. He also played his part in the victory at Rotherham to continue his impressive season.
	Uwe Hunemeier - The Big German defender has had a terrible year of injuries but his patience in waiting for an opportunity has been rewarded thanks to Shane Duffy and Connor Goldson's injury problems and he has taken full advantage with some superb performances.
	Beram Kayal - Another who has had to patiently wait to claim a first team spot after injury, he was thrown back into the side after the defeat at Nottingham Forest. The result? Two successive wins, two clean sheets and two games dominated by the Albion midfield.
	Anthony Knockaert - Struggled in the games at Nottingham Forest and Leeds but was at his unplayable best in the victory over Derby in which he scored, while he also netted away at Rotherham.
	Solly March - Used mainly as an impact sub during March with both Jiri Skalak and Jamie Murphy preferred as starters, the winger made a difference when thrown on at Rotherham in particular, scoring a goal in the process.
	Liam Rosenior - Out injured since August, he understandably looked a little rusty at Forest but has got better with each passing game, stepping into the left back role to at least ease part of the defensive injury crisis.