Brighton’s victory against a relegation threatened Swindon Town, meant Poyet’s table toppers have record 7 straight wins, all in the month of March.
If The Albion manage at least a point against Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday night, they will have recorded the most number of points in a single calendar month, which has so far yielded 21 points.
It was a tough test for the Albion, against the best opposition at Withdean so far this season. Swindon played Brighton at their own game, keeping the ball for long periods of time, but eventually they were broken down by a piece of magic from Glenn Murray.
Brighton started brightly enough, creating a few chances with Craig Noone looking particularly lively. It was Noone that created the first goal, with a mazy dribble that eluded several Swindon defenders, before he was chopped down in the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot straight away.
Sandaza and Dicker fought for the ball for the spot kick, with Dicker eventually stepping up. He dispatched the ball low in the corner to put the hosts 1-0 up.
Brighton looked comfortable after the goal, Noone went close with a drive from distance, and the passing looked a bit more crisp. However it was Swindon who scored next. Prutton unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards out which swerved and beat Ankergren despite it going down the middle of the goal.
After the equaliser, Swindon looked good and kept the ball, passing like Brighton had been doing to them earlier on in the half. The second half was quiet to begin with, with both teams keeping possession rather than attacking for the opening exchanges.
Brighton were given the chance to regain the lead when they awarded a controversial penalty for a foul off the ball on Glenn Murray, again Sandaza and Dicker fought to take the penalty, with Sandaza winning. Captain Greer then ran up from the back to demand Dicker takes the kick.
Dicker stepped up, but his spot kick hit the post before hitting the goal keeper and staying out. It was the seventh spot kick missed this season by a Brighton player. It was all too much for manager Poyet, who hid behind the dugout whilst the penalty was taken.
Brighton eventually took the lead just after the hour. Glenn Murray picked the ball up from deep, turned, took on two Swindon defenders and hit a shot into the far corner to net his 19th goal of the season.
Brighton held on for the win, dispite numerous playings running on empty. The win gave Brighton another 3 points towards their promotion hopes, and took them 13 points clear at the top.
Player Ratings
Casper Ankergren
6
Inigo Calderon
7
Marcos Painter
7
Tommy Elphick
6
Gordon Greer
7
Gary Dicker
7
Liam Bridcutt
6
Matt Sparrow
6
Craig Noone
7
Glenn Murray
7
Fran Sandaza
5
