Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 Brentford

 

Brighton 3-0 Brentford
Knockaert (27′), Hemed (43′), Murphy (90’+3),

Brighton move up to 3rd in the Championship table after a demanding 3-0 victory over promotion chasing Brentford.

The home side could have taken the lead after 90 seconds when Jamie Murphy’s blocked shot fell to Anthony Knockaert 10-yards out, but he scuffed his shot wide.

Midway through the first half, a volley from Brighton right-back Bruno was destined for the far corner, only to be denied by the crossbar, thanks to a wicked deflection off Lewis Dunk.

The Seagulls, however, opened the scoring on 27 minutes. Jamie Murphy cut in from the left-hand side, found Knockaert on the edge of the box, and his wonderful strike nestled into the bottom right-hand corner.

Brighton should have doubled their lead soon after, when Dale Stevens slipped Tommer Hemed through on goal, but his shot could only find the side netting.

Hemed did manage to double Brighton’s lead on the stroke of half-time. A teasing cross from Beram Kayal found the striker unmarked, and he superbly guided his header past Button.

Brighton manager Chris Houghton made one change at half-time as Manchester United loanee James Wilson replaced Bobby Zamora as the Seagulls looked for the killer third goal.

Knockaert had the chance to seal the game on the hour mark. Great skill by Murphy set James Wilson free down the left, and his cross found Knockaert but his first time volley flew over the bar.

Brentford’s only chance in the second-half came 20 minutes from time. David Stockdale fumbled a corner from the right and the ball fell to John Swift, but his shot was deflected over the bar.

Brighton managed to put the seal on the game and record their biggest win of the season in injury time. Dale Stevens found Jamie Murphy with a clear run in on goal, and he calmly slotted the ball past the stranded Button.

The home side have won their last 3 games, leaving them 2 points behind Middlesbrough. On the other hand, the heavy defeat now leaves Brentford 10^th in table, 8 points adrift from the last promotion spot.

STAR MAN: Anthony Knockaert – Ran the game from start to finish. Made several dangerous runs, defended well and took his goal superbly. A massive stand-out.