‘A hard battle to break down Cardiff’ – Brighton fans react to returning top of the league

Brighton and Hove Albion returned to the top of the Sky Bet Championship last night, as they defeated Cardiff City 1-0 at the Amex Stadium.

Tomer Hemed’s goal was enough to settle the fixture, that was re-arranged following postponement in December, and help Chris Hughton’s side leapfrog Newcastle United.

Over 26,000 fans watched on as the Seagulls won their fifth consecutive home game.

The win puts Hughton’s men two-points clear of second placed Newcastle and extends the gap between Brighton and third placed Reading to 11-points.

Cardiff had frustrated the hosts until Israel international, Hemed, struck the winner in the 73^rd minute.

Glenn Murray’s suspension, for a red card he received against Sheffield Wednesday, handed Hemed a chance to start the game.

The goal was his eighth across all competitions this season.

With Brighton sitting comfortably in the automatic promotion places, here is how fans reacted on Twitter…

Great victory tonight albeit a hard battle to break down Cardiff.A bit nervy towards the end but so pleased with result. #bhafc #top

— Talman (@ChrisTalman) January 24, 2017

Great to see Tomer Hemed deliver under pressure tonight. Credit to substitute Oli Norwood as well who set him up. #BHAFC

— Brighton Fanbase (@BrightonFanbase) January 24, 2017

@OfficialBHAFC what a finish by Hemed to win the game and now sitting at the top of the championship #BHAFC #thisisthereyear

— Bobby Ball (@bobbybaggyballs) January 24, 2017

Yes! Top of the league! 11 points clear of 3rd! #bhafc

— We Are Brighton (@wearebrighton) January 24, 2017

Games will frustrate at times, however we possess the quality to create that one chance needed. #BHAFC

— BHAFC News (@BHAFC_NEWS) January 24, 2017

Finally, reaction from the Brighton hero..

When you're flying… No better feeling than this #thankgod #BHAFC #together pic.twitter.com/BP4mbTKQUO

— Tomer Hemed (@tomerhemed10) January 24, 2017