Duffy on the winning side as Brighton upset Toon

SHANE DUFFY put the misery of the last fortnight with the Republic of Ireland behind him with a man-of-the-match performance as Brighton earned all three points with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

The Derryman (below) made 19 clearances in total for Chris Hughton’s side, who took a 29thminute lead through Beram Kayal, and they held firm for the remainder of the afternoon at St James’ Park.

The Toon Army peppered the Brighton goal with 27 shots, but only six were on target as manager Rafael Benitez rued their lack of a cutting edge.

Duffy, alongside centre back partner Lewis Dunk, played a starring role to help the Seagulls leapfrog Burnley into 12th spot.

While the 26-year-old goes from strength to strength for his club, Shane Long spent 78 minutes on the bench for Southampton before Mark Hughes threw him into action against Bournemouth.

Long was unable to make a telling impact, however, and the Saints failed to score for the fourth successive league game in a stalemate on the south coast of England.

He almost set up a winner with a deft knockdown for Stuart Armstrong but Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic smothered the danger.

Harry Arter was able to savour that winning feeling for the first time in the Premier League this term as Cardiff City edged out Fulham 4-2.

Cyrus Christie was left on the bench for the Cottagers, who took the lead through Andre Schurrle in the 11th minute before Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid netted for the hosts on 15 and 20 minutes respectively.

Teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon drew Fulham level 10 minutes before half-time and the drama continued after the break when Callum Paterson squeezed home the winner with 65 minutes on the clock.

Kadeem Harris made sure on the points at the death as Arter and Co helped breathe fresh life into Cardiff’s survival bid. They are out of the drop zone on goal difference – Fulham dropped into it along with Huddersfield and bottom club Newcastle.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were brought back down to life after a fine six-game unbeaten run when Watford came to Molineux and cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Dubliner Matt Doherty, perhaps feeling the effects of action for Ireland, was taken off for Adama Traore with 20 minutes remaining as the home side searched for inspiration.

Two quick-fire goals within 60 seconds from Etienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra sealed the deal for Watford in the first half.