By Tim Hodges
Middlesbrough 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
The Albion scored a vital away victory at the Riverside Stadium with an 86th minute goal from centre back Matthew Upson.
Ashley Barnes struck the post for Albion early in the first half. Then David Lopez had a shot well saved by former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given, on loan at Boro from Aston Villa.
Peter Brezovan, again in goal for Albion despite being third choice for much of the season, saved well from Lukas Jutkiewicz and again from Jacob Butterfield.
Boro tried to get behind Albion but found the defence, including the long serving Brighton-born Adam El-Abd, too strong.
With four minutes left Upson, resplendent in a Steve Foster style headband, headed Albion’s winner from a Craig Conway corner to send the Seagulls up to eighth in the Championship.
Albion entertain Huddersfield Town next Saturday (21 December) at the Amex with a 3pm kick off.
