Blackpool 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
The Albion got back to winning ways with a victory at Bloomfield Road to keep them outside the Championship play-off places on goal difference only.
Leo Ulloa was again Albion’s main man, hitting the outside of the post with a curling effort, then shooting just over from outside the penalty area.
The man from Argentina then played in Inigo Calderon, who stormed into the penalty area and shot past Blackpool goal keeper Matt Gilks to put the Seagulls in front just before half-time.
Blackpool tried their best to get back into the game in the second half but were well marshalled by the Albion defence.
Former Seagull Stephen Dobbie failed to make an impact on the match but new Seagull Adam Chicksen did well for Albion. after replacing Stephen Ward , who suffered a head injury.
Tomasz Kuszczak took a nasty looking tumble and required treatment but didn’t make a serious save until the final ten minutes, palming a shot away from Chris Basham.
Both Kazenga LuaLua and Will Buckley had chances to wrap it up for Albion before the end but the Seagulls hung on for a crucial win.
Bournemouth visit the Amex on New Year’s Day for a match which is now Albion’s most realistic south coast derby.
