Ipswich Town 0 Brighton 3

GUS POYET claimed all three points were heaven-sent as Brighton ended a miserable run of five games without a win.

Goals from Dean Hammond, top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith and former England full-back Wayne Bridge rocked Ipswich.

Seagulls chief Poyet admitted: “It was a much-needed win and comfortable in the end.

“In a recent game we had 27 shots, 17 on target and only scored one goal.

“But today we have had three shots on target and scored three goals.

“Is that normal? No, but something happened today — I don’t know if it was luck, God or the New Year.”

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy refused to blame his players after just their third defeat in 13 games since he arrived.

He said: “I’m not going to criticise my players. I always see the big picture and they have been amazing.

“We haven’t played particularly well. But we have 30 points and that’s terrific. I really admire the players for the turnaround since I came here. It has been remarkable.”

Brighton took the lead with a training-ground corner in the 15th minute, Hammond running unchecked to head home Andrea Orlandi’s centre.

Tomasz Kuszczak’s flying save kept out Daryl Murphy’s effort for the home side. But Brighton extended their lead in the 34th minute when Ashley Barnes sent Mackail- Smith clear to drill his 11th of the season low past Stephen Henderson via the far post.

Bridge added a third in the 67th minute with a low drive from 30 yards.

Mel Henderson (The Sun)