NEWCASTLE (4-4-2):

6 Darlow: Made an excellent second-half save from Dunk’s header, but his distribution continues to let him down

6 Yedlin: Kept March reasonably quiet, but wasn’t able to offer much of an attacking threat in the Brighton half

7 Lascelles: Won the physical battle against Murray and was always in control of Newcastle’s defensive line

7 CLARK: An impressive display from the Irishman, who dominated in the air as the Magpies reverted to a flat back four

7 Dummett: Continued his seamless return to the side as he was shuffled back to left-back – did well against Knockaert

4 Ritchie: A below-par display that even saw his set-piece delivery drop well below its usual standard – is struggling for form at the moment

6 Hayden: The pick of Newcastle’s midfielders as he returned to the side to provide plenty of energy and effort at the base of midfield

5 Merino: Not one of the Spaniard’s better games as his touch deserted him on a number of occasions

5 Atsu: Flickered into life sporadically down the left-hand side, and delivered a decent cross to create a chance for Gayle

4 Gayle: Came close with a second-half header, but his touch was awful for most of the game and he conceded possession repeatedly

4 Joselu: Always looked to get on the ball, but never looked like scoring and his only effort sailed well wide


Subs:

Perez (for Ritchie, 72)

Shelvey (for Merino, 76)

Murphy (for Joselu, 84)

(not used):  Woodman (gk), Manquillo, Mbemba, Diame.


BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1):

Ryan 8; Bruno 7, Dunk 7, DUFFY 8, Bong 7; Stephens 6, Propper 6; Knockaert 6, Gross 6, March 5; Murray 5 (Hemed 62, 4).

Subs (not used): Krul (gk), Kayal, Goldson, Izquierdo, Schelotto, Baldock.


Man Of The Match: SHANE DUFFY – The Brighton centre-half was rock-solid at the back, and won a number of headers in the Newcastle box.