Sidwell strike gives Brighton unexpected boost

A goal from Steven Sidwell gave Brighton and Hove Albion an unexpected 1-0 victory at Norwich City yesterday and a boost in their campaign to avoid relegation from the Nationwide First Division.

Sidwell, who is on loan from Arsenal, volleyed home the only goal from close range seven before the end of a first half that Brighton had controlled. The Seagulls clung on after the break to end a run of seven games without a win, with Norwich's closest attempt on goal being a Mark Rivers shot that hit the post.

Bradford City scored three times in the second-half to claim three valuable points in their battle against relegation with a 4-2 win at home to Stoke City. Petur Marteinsson gave Stoke the lead in the ninth minute but Andy Gray levelled from the penalty spot only for the visitors to regain the advantage quickly through Karl Henry. Bradford were then inspired by Peter Handyside's own-goal equaliser and went on to win with a goal from Claus Jorgensen and a second from Gray.

Wolves, like Norwich, missed the chance to put pressure on the play-off contenders as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Burnley. Gareth Taylor and Dean West put the Clarets two up before Paul Butler pulled one back for Wolves.

Wigan Athletic extended their lead at the top of the Second Division to seven points with a 1-0 victory at Port Vale, where Jason De Vos headed home the only goal in the 69th minute. Bristol City were held to a goalless draw at home by Plymouth Argyle, but moved ahead of Cardiff City into second place as the Welsh side lost 2-0 at Luton.

The wealthy Welsh outfit had looked set for a valuable away point until Tony Thorpe broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the end, with Steven Howard ensuring the Hatters' win in the final minute.

Crewe Alexandra gained an impressive 4-0 win at Cheltenham Town to climb to fourth place thanks to first-half goals from Dean Ashton, Dave Vaughan and Rodney Jack and one from David Brammer after the interval. The home side's Mike Duff and Neil Howarth were dismissed during the second half.

Rushden & Diamonds went above Hartlepool United at the top of the Third Division despite being held to a lacklustre goalless draw at Scunthorpe United. Hartlepool's poor run continued with a 2-0 defeat at Hull City, who attracted 22,319 spectators to their first game at the Kingston Communications Stadium.

Bristol Rovers climbed off the bottom of the league after a crucial 1-0 win at Swansea City. Paul Tait's first-half goal left the Swans in last place.