10-1 wasn’t very Sutton’s Bailey is eager for revenge

Sam steers Seagulls to the heights

SAM BALDOCK celebrated his reprieve in Brighton’s frontline rivalry with a double strike and a steering-wheel celebration as Chris Hughton’s Seagulls reclaimed pole position with a 2-0 win at Barnsley.

“We’ve been playing Mario Kart,” said Baldock, below, who was preferred to Tomer Hemed – left in the pits despite the Israeli’s record of five goals in four games – to partner the returning Glenn Murray.

“It was a big call from the gaffer but we respect him and trust him.

“There’s a friendly rivalry. Glenn was dominating their centre-halves, it was a fantastic response from him. He’s quality – that’s why we paid good money for him at 33 years old.”

Matt Smith scored in QPR’s 4-1 win at Birmingham to upset his dad Ian.

Smith set his new club on the way with his first goal for them. He did it in his home city and in front of his dad, who played briefly for Birmingham in the Seventies. Smith said: “My dad does the hospitality, so was in the directors’ box. It was weird seeing him there.”

Blues boss Gianfranco Zola is set for talks with owner Paul Suen Cho Hung but still feels he is the man for the job, despite having won just one of his first 14 games in charge.

Craig Noone has paid a debt of gratitude to Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, whose side thrashed bottom-of-the-table Rotherham 5-0.

Noone has spent much of the season on the bench but has finally forced his way back into Warnock’s side and scored another beauty.

“When the gaffer first came I found it tough,” said Noone. “But now he’s getting the best out of me.” EXCLUSIVE