The pressure was on.
Richie Towell, the most promising player to come out of the SSE Airtricity League in years, was given his first chance to impress for new club Brighton who he signed for last November on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The midfielder, who scored 25 goals for Dundalk as they retained the league title last season, was tasked with helping Brighton progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup but wasn’t rewarded with a dream debut as Chris Hughton’s side fell to a first half Robert Snodgrass penalty away at Hull.
But Towell was a shining light on an otherwise dull Saturday afternoon.
#BHAFC team v #HCFC: Maenpaa, Goldson, Dunk, Ridgewell; Calderon, Holla, Ince, Chicksen; Crofts, Towell, Manu. #HCFCvBHA #FACup
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 9, 2016
The well-wishers were out in full voice to offer congratulations to the 24-year-old on his first start in England.
Safe to say I will be supporting @OfficialBHAFC in the #FAICup. Best of luck to Richie Towell. Thoroughly deserved! https://t.co/xKudbiRptb
— Aodhán Mac Aonghusa (@AidanMcGuinness) January 9, 2016
On days like this, all #LeagueOfIreland fans unite!Best wishes to #RichieTowell who starts for #Brighton in the #FACup tie with #Hull
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) January 9, 2016
Thought Richie Towell was a distance clear of the rest as the top LOI player, hope he can do well at Brighton
— James Fennell (@JFsports1) January 9, 2016
And the attacking midfielder started brightly, by all accounts.Â
they love towell in england already
— Stephen Mc Donnell (@stephenjmcd) January 9, 2016
"Real positivity and determination there from Richie Towell" … "His touch so far in the game has been excellent" #bhafc
— Mark Hill (@markhillsports) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/HullCityLive/status/685846141762682880
Many youngsters would have wilted on the big stage but the Irishman gave as good as he got, even to his teammates.
"Manu having a go at Towell, and Towell having a go right back at him" – so it's not all plain sailing for Richie so far! #bhafc
— Mark Hill (@markhillsports) January 9, 2016
Richie Towell seems to have acquitted himself well in the 1st half for Brighton although ex Leeds player Snodgrass penalty is difference @HT
— Ger Cunningham (@GerCun7) January 9, 2016
The former Dundalk man brought his creativity into the second half, despite the Seagulls being behind at the break.Â
https://twitter.com/triIInigga/status/685855444364050434
"If he is slotted into a 'stronger' Albion side, he could be a real weapon and a threat to come in upcoming weeks" #Towell #bhafc
— Mark Hill (@markhillsports) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/SamOHanrahanSCP/status/685864208496472065
He started trending.
Breaking news Richie Towell is now trending TOP topic in Ireland. Details https://t.co/BtiUibrROJ pic.twitter.com/C7hTqPuva1
— TrendsinIreland (@TrendsinIreland) January 9, 2016
'towell' is now trending in #Dublin https://t.co/RrBA6lQCsP
— Trendsmap Dublin (@TrendsDublin) January 9, 2016
And also started scrapping.
https://twitter.com/HullCityLive/status/685859662651080704
Melee ensues after a 'great challenge' by Richie Towell. Towell then pulled back and pinned to the ground by Ryan Taylor. #bhafc
— Mark Hill (@markhillsports) January 9, 2016
And while he played the full 90, he wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet and saw his new club knocked out of the FA Cup but the signs of promise were clear for all to see.
Well done to Richie Towell who had by all accounts a decent debut for Brighton at Hull who lost to a Snodgrass pen pic.twitter.com/IvepYfdLTG
— Ger Cunningham (@GerCun7) January 9, 2016
