Hughton’s top feeling

CHRIS HUGHTON hailed his Brighton side’s improvement as they claimed their first away win in five matches to move back to the top.

Sam Baldock’s second-half double took them above Newcastle, who face Aston Villa tomorrow night.

Baldock (above) broke the deadlock with a superb dipping effort from outside the area and added a second with a smartly-taken strike to dampen Barnsley’s play-off hopes.

Hughton said: ‘It was a really good team performance. The front two were excellent, they worked really hard. We don’t get much time to

enjoy it, we’re back in on Monday, but it’s a very pleasing result.’

Hughton’s opposite number, Paul Heckingbottom, praised Brighton’s performance. ‘They limited us to very few chances,’ he said. ‘They’re comfortable without the ball, as well as with it.

‘It was similar in the second half and the goal was a great finish from Sam.

‘Brighton are one of the best at playing when they have gone in front. They are so organised.’

NIGEL CLOUGH was delighted to see January loan signings Cauley Woodrow and Michael Kightly score the goals to beat Norwich.

‘That’s right up there with our best results this season,’ said Clough. ‘There was a real desire at the end to see it through and get the points.’

Cameron Jerome scored for Norwich but boss Alex Neil said: ‘It’s hugely disappointing.’

GARRY MONK praised Leeds players’ character after they fought back to earn a point.

Play-off chasing Leeds were second best in terms of chances created, but they hung on after Stuart Dallas equalised Freddie Sears’ ninth-minute opener.

Monk said: ‘It was always going to be difficult to win here, but you could see the players’ character.’

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy said: ‘I thought we were the better team.’

GOALS from Almen Abdi and Fernando Forestieri helped Sheffield Wednesday maintain their play-off push with a fourth consecutive league victory.

It was Wednesday’s fifth win over Forest on the bounce, with Ben Osborn scoring their only goal and Ross McCormack having a penalty saved by Keiren Westwood.

Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal said: ‘Kieren is a fantastic goalkeeper.’

SIMON GRAYSON admitted his Preston side’s draw at Wigan was a ‘missed opportunity’ to close the gap on the play-off places.

‘We didn’t have that quality in the final third that we’ve had in the last few games,’ said Grayson. ‘They made it difficult to play against.’

Wigan manager Warren Joyce felt a defeat would have been harsh, adding: ‘It was a fair result.’

GIANFRANCO ZOLA said he accepted ‘full responsibility’ after his Birmingham side were humiliated by Queens Park Rangers.

Goals by Birminghamborn Matt Smith, Conor Washington, Idrissa Sylla and Yeni N’Gbakoto crushed the hosts, with Emilio Nsue scoring a late consolation.

‘I am probably not giving enough and it is making me upset,’ said Zola. ‘It was our worst performance so far.’

ROTHERHAM interim boss Paul Warne has apologised for their ‘embarrassing’ defeat.

Goals from Kadeem Harris, Junior Hoilett, Craig Noone and a Kenneth Zohore brace gave Cardiff their biggest win since a 6-0 victory against Bristol City in 2010.

But it leaves struggling Rotherham rooted to the foot of the table and Warne said: ‘To get drummed like that was embarrassing.’