Bristol City 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 4
Albion scored their biggest winning margin of Chris Hughton’s tenure as they beat Bristol City out of sight. The Robins’ woe was compounded by a late penalty miss.
Jamie Murphy gave Albion the lead after eight minutes with a superb unchallenged run into the City penalty area from where he struck a crisp shot past Richard O’Donnell.
City had more of the ball but ten minutes later good work from Tomer Hemed allowed Sam Baldock to go on a mazy run and fire a low shot past O’Donnell to double Albion’s lead.
The former Bristol City striker appeared to respectfully mute his celebration in front of the home fans.
Lee Tomlin had a couple of half chances for City but Albion went into the break with a two-goal advantage.
Just after the restart, as Lewis Dunk picked up yet another yellow card, Tomer Hemed put the result beyond doubt, giving Albion a three-goal lead.
David Stockdale was back in top form, with a brilliant one-handed stop from Jonathan Kodjia, as City sought some consolation.
Aaron Wilbraham and Marlon Pack both had efforts well saved by Stockdale as City were reduced to shots from distance.
Substitute James Wilson made the result emphatic and helped Albion to record their biggest away in the Championship as he headed in Beram Kayal’s cross for 0-4 although some fancied it took more than a hefty deflection from City defender Mark Little.
With Albion cruising, all that was left was for Kieran Agard to win and then smack a penalty against the cross bar to sum up City’s night.
Albion now have nearly a week to recover before taking on Leeds at the Amex on Monday 29 February.
