Brighton and Hove Albion have found themselves in the relegation zone of the Championship after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Preston North End. Rami Shaaban was on the bench again, suffering from a broken toe, while Adam El Abd played the last twenty minutes.

Brighton conceded the first goal from yet another penalty! On the half-hour mark Cresswell was through on goal but was tripped by Hart and Alexander scored from the spot past Blayney. Hart was also sent off for the challenge leaving Brighton to play a man down for a full hour.

In first-half stoppage time Cresswell scored from close range to make it 2-0 to Preston, after latching onto a ball by Lewis.

Six minutes into the second half, an advancing McKenna whipped the ball across to find Nugent who slipped in the third goal past Blayney. 3-0.

Preston pressed forward to increase the margin but Blayney was at hand to guard the Brighton goal with some fine saves.

El Abd was introduced on 70 minutes, but once again 20 minutes were not enough for him to make a real impact on proceedings.

Brighton now lie third off the bottom, with five games remaining. A poor goal difference may also prove vital.