Seagulls avenge last season's hell to cut down Forest growth

FABIAN HURZELER admitted he was delighted to “clean the air” after stinking out the City Ground on their previous visit. The Seagulls avenged the 7-0 defeat they suffered here back in February. After goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Stefanos Tzimas helped them climb to fifth in the Premier League, Hurzeler said: “We arrived here with some memories regarding last season but we came here to clean the air, not only ourselves but the fans and [we're] happy they can have a good weekend. We suffered in certain moments in the second half. “We know last season we weren't at our highest level here, it was a bad moment for everyone in the club but the most important thing is how you react.” Nottingham Forest head coach Dyche admitted his side lost the game in the opening 20 minutes. He said: “We didn't start right and then regripped the game and were strong. “Then to give away a soft goal was disappointing after weathering a storm. “Second half we gave a strong performance. Fatigue at the end of the half and we switched off. “The scoreline looks different from the reality. I just thought they were miles off it. Not taking anything away from them, they're a good outfit but we gave them the upper hand by not being close to where we need to be.”

- BY SUNNY BADWAL

BRIGHTON banished the spectre of their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest as persistence paid off for Fabian Hurzeler's men.

Stefanos Tzimas did the damage, ending Forest's five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

It may represent just a second league loss since Sean Dyche arrived at the City Ground, but Forest remain just one point above the bottom three.

Brighton had the hosts pinned back in their own half for the majority of the opening exchanges, creating a large sense of nervousness among the home support.

And the absence of Brazilian centre-back Murillo, injured in Thursday's 3-0 Europa League win against Malmo, was sorely felt.

De Cuyper twice swung crosses in behind Forest's backline which the visitors failed to capitalise on.