the championship

PRESTON NORTH END 2 Huntingdon (13), Robinson (53) BRIGHTON 0

BRIGHTON saw their 18-match unbeaten run ended by Preston, who deservedly triumphed at Deepdale.

The Seagulls’ first away Championship loss since August, and a first anywhere since September, came courtesy of goals in either half from Paul Huntington and Callum Robinson.

The hosts were worthy victors and maintained their play-off push in some style – Brighton’s afternoon was summed up when substitute Tomer Hemed missed a 96th-minute penalty.

Preston grabbed the lead with a set-piece effort in the 13th minute, when defender Huntington charged in to score his first goal in almost two years, bundling home Paul Gallagher’s free-kick from close range.

Before that, Robinson went close for the hosts, while the Seagulls responded when Oliver Norwood drove a shot just past a post from 20 yards.

Glenn Murray was heavily involved as the visitors sought to claw their way back into the game. The 15-goal striker volleyed narrowly wide after racing on to meet Bruno’s knockdown.

Murray then robbed Preston full-back Marnick Vermijl, before lashing in a shot that Chris Maxwell did well to save.

Albion opened the second period with renewed vigour, but Anthony Knockaert wasted a decent chance when he blazed over.

The Seagulls were punished in the 53rd minute when Preston doubled their lead. Robinson bravely held off a challenge from Bruno before drilling clinically past David Stockdale.

Brighton should have reduced the deficit in the dying minutes, but Maxwell kept out Hemed’s spot-kick, after Huntington had fouled the Seagulls substitute.