Seagulls go top thanks to Hemed’s humdinger
CHRIS HUGHTON praised Tomer Hemed’s professionalism after the Israel striker sent Brighton top of the Championship with a hardfought win over resilient Cardiff. In a match that was rearranged due to heavy fog last month, it was the Seagulls who left the Amex soaring thanks to Hemed’s thunderous 73rd-minute strike. The 29-year-old has had to play second fiddle to loanee Glenn Murray this season but with the latter suspended he stepped up, rolling Sol Bamba before beating Allan McGregor to move Brighton two points clear of Newcastle. ‘It was a great strike, he missed a chance just before that but it probably lifted his desire to want to get a goal and break the deadlock. It needed something like that,’ Hughton said. ‘He’s been frustrated, there’s no doubt about that, but he’s done what every good professional does when getting an opportunity — he’s worked extremely hard.’ Brighton were in the ascendancy from the start with the lively Solly March the catalyst in a free role behind Hemed. After two long-range efforts from Hemed, it took 12 minutes for the visitors to find themselves in Brighton’s final third, Joe Ralls hitting the side-netting after being set up by Junior Hoilett. Hoilett was again in the thick of things, picking up a yellow card for a 50-50 tackle on Beram Kayal, much to the ire of incandescent Cardiff manager Neil Warnock. Warnock’s cries were mirrored by the home support soon after when they felt Hoilett should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Connor Goldson. From the resulting free-kick, Anthony Knockaert cannily rolled his effort under the wall but just wide, much to the relief of a rooted McGregor. Yet Cardiff grew in stature as first captain Sean Morrison and then Hoilett tested David Stockdale. At half-time the home faithful vented their anger at referee Keith Stroud and Hoilett. The second half started like the first and Brighton should have scored when Hemed inexplicably missed from close range after more good work from March. EFL sponsors Sky Bet covered the travel costs of over 1,000 Cardiff fans to attend the game following its postponement, but the 400-mile round trip proved fruitless. Meanwhile, Conference leaders Lincoln, who host Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, lost 3-0 at Barrow.