Blackburn Rovers 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
The Albion beat the former Premier League champions after Rovers central defender Matthew Kilgallon headed a cross from Albion striker Chris O’Grady past goalkeeper Jason Steele and into his own net.
Minutes later Rovers thought that they had equalised but Jordan Rhodes was adjudged to have fouled Seagulls keeper David Stockdale by controversial referee Stuart Attwell. The challenge by Rhodes caused the Albion keeper to fumble.
Stockdale was in fine form as the match progressed, saving brilliantly from Rhodes twice and once from Rudy Gestede.
Steele pushed away a goalbound shot from Joao Teixeira and Rovers almost suffered more indignity as Alex Baptiste sliced a clearance which went narrowly wide of being a second own goal.
Albion had few other chances to double their lead. Emmanuel Ledesma, with a half chance, was the most notable effort.
Rovers midfielder Marcus Olsson tested Stockdale again before the end, forcing the keeper to palm his shot over the bar.
Albion climb to 16th after a win that almost guarantees Championship football next season.
Albion next take on play-off hopefuls Norwich City at the Amex on Good Friday (3 April) after the international break.
