BRIGHTON 1

Murray (67)

BLACKBURN ROVERS 0

BRIGHTON took another step towards automatic promotion, with Glenn Murray hitting the only goal in a home victory over relegation-threatened Blackburn.

The Seagulls’ ninth home win in the last 11 league games sent them a huge nine points clear of third-placed Huddersfield, although the Terriers do have a game in hand.

Rovers keeper Jason Steele was forced to make a save early on when he held a dipping free-kick from defender Lewis Dunk after Brighton’s Murray was brought down.

The Rovers defence came under early pressure as Uwe Huenemeier went close, before Steele saved from Dunk.

Blackburn threatened when Portuguese international Lucas Joao shot wide after good work on the left from Derrick Williams.

Seagulls striker Glenn Murray had an overhead kick saved by Steele and the keeper was in action early after the break when he claimed a teasing cross from Anthony Knockaert. Albion boss Chris Hughton made a double change after 58 minutes when he introduced Tomer Hemed and Solly March in place of Chuba Akpom and Jiri Skalak.

The Seagulls were forced to work hard to break down a stubborn Blackburn defence and the breakthrough came after 67 minutes when Murray hit his 19th league goal of the season.

The striker scored from close in after Knockaert headed down a Liam Rosenior cross.

Keeper Steele saved a late free kick from Dunk and Hemed also shot wide as Brighton held firm against Rovers, who stay in the bottom three.