Pascal Gross landed West Brom a pair of kicks where it hurts, according to Tony Pulis.

The Baggies boss conceded his side were second best at the Amex.

And strikes just before and after the break from Gross were particularly painful.

Pulis said: “To concede just before half-time and then a minute after half-time is a real kick in the goolies for you, and it gave them a massive lift.

“They were the better team first half but, apart from the shot off Ben (Foster) which the lad (Shane Dufffy) tapped in from offside, Ben didn't have a lot to do.

“The second goal is a poor goal and kills us and lifts them again. Going 3-0 down was the icing on the cake for what we'd done.

“Then we livened up and played better last 20 minutes, so they can take some praise from that last period.”

He added: “There are all sorts of excuses I could make but let's just go with Brighton were better than us.”