Three red cards help Brighton regain top spot
AFP
AFP, LONDON: Brighton regained pole position in the race for the Premier League as the Championship leaders beat promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on Friday in a fiery clash featuring three red cards.
Chris Hughtons side took the lead through a Anthony Knockaert strike at the Amex Stadium, but Wednesday levelled before half-time thanks to a Lewis Dunk own goal.
Wednesday had a golden opportunity to go ahead when Brighton striker Glenn Murray was sent off for a handball that gave the visitors a second half penalty.
But Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale saved Fernando Forestieris spot-kick and the hosts made light of their numerical disadvantage to snatch the points five minutes from full-time when former Leicester winger Knockaert struck again.
Wednesday lost their heads after that and striker Steven Fletcher and midfielder Sam Hutchison were both sent off in the closing moments.
Brightons win moved them two points clear of second placed Newcastle and 12 points ahead of sixth placed Wednesday.
It was also a small measure of revenge for Wednesdays victory over the Seagulls in the Championship play-off semi-finals last season.
Newcastle could reclaim top spot if they beat bottom of the table Rotherham on Saturday.
Brighton broke the deadlock 11 minutes before the interval when Knockaert scored with an angled shot from Tomer Hemeds pass.
Wednesday equalised on the stroke of half-time when Forestieris cross was diverted towards goal by Oliver Norwood into the path of Dunk, who headed into his own net.
After the break, Murray was dismissed for handling Glenn Loovens shot, but Stockdale denied Forestieri from the spot.
Knockaert pounced to give Brighton victory, prodding home at the far post from Sebastien Pocognolis cross.
In a bad-tempered finale, Fletcher was sent off for a flare-up with Dale Stephens before Hutchinson saw red after clattering Solly March.
