Brighton back on top ahead of crunch clash
BRIGHTON displayed a further reminder of their promotion credentials with a convincing victory over Reading to return to the summit.
Goals from Sam Baldock, Jamie Murphy and Anthony Knockaert gave Albion their seventh win in the last eight home league games to dampen Reading’s automatic promotion hopes.
Chris Hughton’s side, six points better off than third-placed Huddersfield, are a point clear of Newcastle going 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.
French winger Knockaert again rattled Reading with a surging run and his cross was directed wide of goal by skipper Bruno on the edge of the area.
Knockaert later had a shot blocked after a poor clearance from keeper Ali Al Habsi, a former Brighton loanee.
Brighton, who have not lost in 20 games with Dale Stephens in their starting line-up this season, had the former Charlton midfielder booked for a late tackle on Yann Kermorgant.
Brighton keeper David Stockdale made two saves in as many minutes by keeping out efforts from Danny Williams and Roy Beerens, before Baldock gave the home side the lead 10 minutes before the break.
The former Bristol City marksman latched onto an excellent cross from Bruno and let the ball bounce before firing it beyond Al Habsi.
Reading threatened twice in quick succession through Beerens and Williams before Murphy doubled Brighton’s advantage after 56 minutes.
Former Sheffield United winger Murphy ran through to delightfully chip Al Habsi before Knockaert sealed Brighton’s victory after a strong run through the middle by Murphy.