Sussex | Brighton boost European hopes

Sunderland 0 - 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 

Yankuba Minteh scored the only goal in curious fashion as Brighton consigned Sunderland to a third successive home league defeat.

Author | Lewis Whatley 

Stadium | Stadium of Light

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The Gambia winger found the net from an improbably tight angle in the 58th minute when his sliced cross from the byline crept in at the near post, with Black Cats goalkeeper Melker Ellborg unsighted.

Sunderland were incensed that play had continued with midfielder Habib Diarra on the ground from the moment the initial corner was taken after a clash with Lewis Dunk.

However, the video assistant referee cleared the incident and, with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke judged to be onside despite blocking Ellborg’s view, the goal was allowed to stand.

It proved decisive and a third victory in four league games moved Fabian Hürzeler’s side on to 40 points and above Sunderland on goal difference in 10th place.

It was also the Seagulls’ first win on Wearside since 1981, ending a nine match run without success.

Brighton looked the sharper side during a subdued first half

Jack Hinshelwood passed up two excellent chances to break the deadlock. The first, a close range effort from Minteh’s teasing cross, was superbly saved by Ellborg before the Swedish goalkeeper dealt more comfortably with a tame attempt after Danny Welbeck had laid the ball into his path.

Between those opportunities, Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi saw a driven shot cleared off the line by Brighton captain Dunk.

The hosts believed they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg curled the ball into the bottom corner. Yet what would have been the 18 year old’s first top flight goal was ruled out after Omar Alderete, who had headed the ball into his path, was adjudged offside when Trai Hume lofted the ball forward.

Striker Brian Brobbey then fired over the bar after Brighton were caught in possession attempting to play out from the back, a miss that proved costly as the visitors struck moments later.

Although Régis Le Bris’ side pushed for an equaliser, clear chances were scarce and Diego Gómez spurned the opportunity to make the result more comfortable for Brighton after a swift counter attack.

Having been unbeaten at home until February, Sunderland have now suffered three consecutive defeats at the Stadium of Light, a setback to their hopes of securing European qualification.