Seagulls in full flight to return to the top
BRIGHTON...... 3 READING ........ 0
BRIGHTON issued a further reminder of their promotion credentials with a convincing victory over Reading that returned them to the top of the Championship.
The Seagulls’ battle with Newcastle at the summit continues after United dropped home points against Bristol City earlier in the day.
Goals from Sam Baldock, Jamie Murphy and Anthony Knockaert before a crowd of 29,613 later gave Albion the seventh win from their last eight home league games, also weakening Reading’s own automatic promotion hopes.
Brighton, six points beyond third-placed Huddersfield, are a point clear of Newcastle heading into Tuesday’s clash between the top two at the Amex Stadium.
Unchanged Brighton threatened in the sixth minute when Knockaert curled in a corner and record signing Shane Duffy came up from the back to head over at the far post.
Knockaert, clattered by Tyler Blackett in the opening seconds, had started brightly and ended a dazzling run by firing over.
The midfielder later had a shot blocked after a poor clearance from keeper Ali Al Habsi, a former Brighton loanee.
Not since 1979 have Brighton had four different players reach double figures and Baldock joined Glenn Murray, Tomer Hemed and Knockaert’s club with a close-range finish.
The former Bristol City marksman latched on to an excellent cross from Bruno and let the ball bounce before firing it beyond Al Habsi.
Reading came under further pressure before the break and Al Habsi kept out a low effort from Knockaert.
The Royals threatened twice in quick succession through Roy Beerens and Danny Williams before Murphy doubled Brighton’s advantage on 56 minutes.
The former Sheffield United winger ran through to delightfully chip Al Habsi after being put through by Dale Stephens.
Reading sub John Swift and defender Chris Gunter were both off target before Knockaert sealed Brighton’s victory 10 minutes from time.