Chris Hughton's side put the pressure back on Newcastle United ahead of the weekend's action as the Seagulls left the capital with all three points after victory on Friday night at Loftus Road.

Brighton & Hove Albion had just two changes to the starting line-up from the win against Birmingham City in midweek; left-back loanee Sebastien Pocognoli and midfielder Steve Sidwell were reinstated in the matchday squad.

In a fairly even first-half, the visitors did put the ball in the back of the net on two occasions. Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed thought they had both scored but the linesman waved his flag.

Brighton did get their deserved goal after the break when Murray hit home on the counter. It became 2-0 moments later when Pocognoli struck a sweetly hit free-kick which went into the top-right corner, out of the reaches of Alex Smithies.

Queens Park Rangers did make it difficult for the promotion chasers, however, as forward Matt Smith leaped above the Seagulls' defence to head one in from close range.

It wasn't enough for the west London outfit and Brighton & Hove Albion went back to the south coast knowing they'd enter the weekend at the top of the Championship table - here is how their supporters reacted to the victory on Twitter following the full-time whistle....

Brighton fans, how significant is that win? Do you think the Seagulls will be crowned champions? Is promotion just round the corner? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!