Brighton 1 Blackburn 0: Glenn Murray’s 19th goal of the season moves Seagulls nine points clear of Huddersfield and to the verge of promotion
GLENN MURRAY ensured Brighton tightened their grip on an automatic spot.
Striker Murray’s 19th goal of the season meant Seagulls extended the gap over third-placed Huddersfield to nine points.
Glenn Murray scores his 19th goal of the season to hand Brighton victoryPA:Press Association
Terriers lost to Blackburn’s relegation rivals Burton — but Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: “It feels a significant day because we won, not because they lost.
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“I’m far more pleased with our result than with the results that have gone our way.
“Even though there were not many opportunities, I know Glenn is capable of taking one. He’s a clever striker and his anticipation got us the goal.”
Albion began brightly with defenders Uwe Huenemeier and Lewis Dunk seeing efforts saved.
But Blackburn kept their cool and worked their way into the game.
Derrick Williams carved out an opportunity with a wicked swerving cross but Lucas Joao blasted over.
The Amex Stadium erupts after the goalReutersGlenn Murray applauds the home supporters after the matchReutersSeagulls boss Chris Hughton was delighted with the three pointsReuters
Seagulls spluttered, with several misplaced passes being a symptom of three defeats in their previous five games.
But they settled and Rovers keeper Jason Steele was forced to save from Murray before making stops to keep out Beram Kayal and Jiri Skalak.
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Murray put Brighton in front in the 67th minute.
A delightful touch brought down a headed pass by Anthony Knockaert and the forward coolly tucked the ball into the corner from close range.
Two minutes later he came close to a second but was denied by Steele.
Blackburn huffed and puffed but were unable to find the equaliserPA:Press AssociationTony Mowbray believes his side could have won the matchPA:Press Association
Sub Tomer Hemed missed a glorious opportunity to double Brighton’s advantage late on.
Murray sent sub Jamie Murphy scampering away but Hemed was unable to get accuracy on his shot from the winger’s cross.
Blackburn stormed forward and a deflected effort from Rovers sub Connor Mahoney went just wide as Brighton hung on.
Rovers boss Tony Mowbray: “We made life difficult for them. It looked like nil-nil or the odd goal was going to nick it. It could have been us.
“Their supporters lifted them when they needed it in the second half.”
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