Victory was what Brighton ‘deserved’ – Hughton

Ross Gibson

Brighton boss Chris Hughton was delighted with his side’s victory over Newcastle at the Amex, and felt the home team ‘deserved it’ on a whole.

Tomer Hemed’s smart finish five minutes after half time was enough to seperate the sides in an entertaining match.

Hemed would become the centre of some controversy late on, however.

“It was a hard-fought victory,” Hughton told Sky Sports.

“They are a good side, They showed that in their last three games. There were not masses between the two teams.

“Overall we deserved it, not a lot in it, but we’ve deserved it. With seven points it is a decent return. We have learnt a lot in the game we have played so far.”

The Brighton manager defended his goalscorer after an incident which occurred in the 89th minute, and involved what some of the Newcastle players seemed to suggest was a stamp on the ankle of DeAndre Yedlin.

“An emotional time straight after the game. My very first impression is no intent. There has been contact but my first impression is no intent and knowing the individual I would say no intent.”

The incident is one that the FA will likely look at, and if they feel there was intent, the Brighton scorer could be staring at a three-game ban.