Brighton and Hove Albion won a Premier League match at the Amex for the first time since September.
They came from behind against Brentford with goals from captain Pascal Gross and a second-half header from young Jack Hinshelwood – his first senior girl.
The 18-year-old full-back was making only his fifth top-flight appearance and, just one minute before heading home a cross from Gross, he cleared an effort from Yoane Wissa off the Brighton goal-line.
Despite the best of the early play, Albion fell behind when Jan Paul van Hecke pulled down Vitaly Janelt in the area and Bryan Mbeumo converted the spot kick.
Mbeumo was later forced off by a nasty-looking ankle injury on a disappointing evening for the visitors. His replacement, Wissa, was perhaps fortunate to avoid a second-half red card for swinging a hand into the face of Billy Gilmour.
The match-winning contribution of Sussex-born Hinshelwood, whose father Adam played 100 league games for Brighton from 2002-09, earned his side a first home victory since Sunday 24 September after three successive score draws.
Depleted Brighton were once again without a host of key players because of injuries and suspensions as they went in search of only a second win in their last nine top-flight outings.
The Seagulls shaded a forgettable opening period devoid of goalmouth action before Brentford capitalised on sloppy defending to snatch the lead in the 27th minute with their first attack.
Bees captain Janelt was pulled down by Van Hecke after an impressive burst into the box and Mbeumo coolly sent Jason Steele the wrong way to find the bottom left corner from 12 yards.
Brighton had scored and conceded in each of their previous 18 Premier League fixtures. And Roberto De Zerbi’s hosts swiftly resumed their intricate interplay and ensured that statistic would continue just four minutes later.
Gross, leading the team in place of the banned Lewis Dunk, thumped home the eye-catching equaliser, taking a touch on the edge of the Bees’ 18-yard box after collecting the ball from Kaoru Mitoma before sending a left-footed drive into the bottom right corner.
Brentford then suffered a big setback when the hobbling Mbeumo was helped from the field by medical staff after going over on his right ankle.
Teenager Hinshelwood took centre stage after the restart with a couple of key contributions in the space of two minutes to turn the game decisively in Brighton’s favour.
The academy graduate, who joined the club at the age of seven, was alert to deny Wissa a certain goal before rising above Bees substitute Keane Lewis-Potter at the other end to nod in Gross’s scooped cross from the left.
Brentford rarely threatened to snatch a point and could have finished the game a man down after Wissa swung his right arm at Gilmour which resulted in a booking from referee Peter Bankes.
Brighton had chances to make the result comfortable, with Simon Adingra twice going close, before Hinshelwood jubilantly celebrated a night to remember with the home fans.
The intensity of the game kept us on the edge of our seats, and it’s fantastic to see players like Hinshelwood making a significant impact. Kudos to the entire team for their dedication and the thrilling performance. Looking forward to more exciting victories ahead!