Brighton & Hove Albion continue the close chase with Newcastle United this season.

Brighton defeated Birmingham, as expected, 3-1 with Glenn Murray stealing the spotlight. The home team moved two points ahead of the Magpiesthough they have played a match more.

Murray scored from Bruno’s cross as early as the second minute to reach his 20th tally this term. The guests City responded, frustrating Brighton’s effort for the rest of the half. The pressure was high but Brighton showed their superiority as they netted immediately after the break to calm things down.

TomerHemed chested the ball in before UweHunemeier completed the 3-0 rout with a shot in the 54th minute. The two goals were important for Brighton’s confidence after Lewis Dunk pulled out of the game with sickness as the excuse.

Newcastle are set to face fourth-placed Huddersfield in a cracker on Wednesday.