By Tim Hodges
Millwall 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 2
The Albion head back to the summit of the Football League Championship after a hard-fought victory against Millwall at the New Den.
Goals from Ashley Barnes and Brightonian Adam El-Abd secured the Seagulls’ fifth successive win.
Former Seagull and New Zealand international Chris Wood piled a late goal back for the Lions. But he was denied an equaliser by a stunning late save from Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Will Buckley provided much of Albion’s ammunition, crossing for Barnes’s opener.
Wayne Bridge and Andrea Orlandi were both instrumental for the Seagulls, who doubled their lead just after half time.
El-Abd, seemingly surrounded by Millwall defenders, latched on to a Dean Hammond flick from a corner and smashed Albion 2-0 in front.
Apart from Wood’s consolation and hopefully minor injuries to both Craig Mackail-Smith and Bruno Saltor it was a great day for the Albion, as they top the entire football league – one of few clubs to have occupied both 92nd and 1st postions.
The Seagulls take on Birmingham next Saturday at the Amex in an eagerly anticipated match which could see the return of Vicente Rodriguez and Andrew Crofts.
