Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
Follow all the reaction from The American Express Community Stadium
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma scored for a third game in succession to snatch a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Bournemouth in a Premier League south-coast derby on Saturday.
With time running out and Bournemouth seemingly coming away from the Amex Stadium with a precious point, Mitoma stole into the box and rose high while back-pedalling to head home Jeremy Sarmiento’s cross at the near post in the 87th minute.
The goal was not a trademark finish from the electric Japanese winger but it was enough to seal three points as Brighton moved back up to sixth place with 34 points while Bournemouth are 19th, a point below the safety zone.
Earlier, Brighton’s Deniz Undav had the perfect chance to open the scoring when he pounced on a poor pass from Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto but the forward had his first shot blocked and his second saved while his final attempt cannoned off the post.
Bournemouth felt hard done by when Dango Ouattara was pushed to the ground in the box by defender Pervis Estupinan, who made no attempt to play the ball, but the referee and VAR deemed it a legal challenge and no penalty was given.
Midfielder Moises Caicedo was benched after Brighton refused to budge on his request to move in the January transfer window amid interest from Arsenal, but all seemed forgiven when he came on in the second half to a warm reception from the fans.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Mepham gives away a needless corner, but Gross' cross is cleared away. It's straight to March, who tries to recycle it by looking towards the far post, but Lerma clears this one.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Dunk was late getting across to Rothwell in his attempts to break up the counter. The referee initially played advantage but has now gone back to book him for it.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
GREAT BLOCK! Brighton just can't cope with Bournemouth's counter-attacks and Rothwell knocks it onto Semenyo. He carries it from inside his own half the edge of the box and Estupinan throws himself in front of it to deny him.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Substitution Philip Anyanwu Billing Joseph Matthew Rothwell
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth break quickly again, with Anthony leading the charge through the middle. He gets the ball caught under his feet on the edge of the box, but it bobbles through to Semenyo, who can't do anything with it on the turn.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Second change for Bournemouth now and it's Billing that's making way for Rothwell.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
More good, patient build-up play from Brighton here as March tries to curl it into Estupinan. Ouattara cuts it out and runs straight into the Ecuadorian to win a free-kick, much to the hosts' frustration.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth do look dangerous when they break forward and Ouattara gets the better of Estupinan this time. He just overruns it though, and it rolls out of play before he can pick out a cross.
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