Bobby Zamora went from zero to Albion hero again last night as they destroyed leaders Reading in a 3-1 victory.

In the best home display of Peter Taylor's reign, Zamora scored the first, then supplied goals for Steve Melton and Junior Lewis on his full debut in an emphatic win at a wet and windswept Withdean.

The young hotshot responded to his red card as a substitute at Oldham last Saturday with his 26th goal of the season on 60 minutes.

He fashioned a brilliant second for Melton four minutes later, then a dazzling run set up Lewis two minutes from time.

Boss Peter Taylor said: "Bobby has got tremendous character. He knows he let himself down a little bit on Saturday, but he is a good pro.

"I thought he was outstanding. He scored the first goal and made the last two. It was a great performance."

Taylor also praised midfielders Lewis, signed on loan from Leicester for three months, and Melton as the Seagulls closed the gap on Reading to four points with a game in hand.

"Junior was excellent," he said. "He hasn't played much football recently, but it was a great first match for him and he knows he has a manager here who believes in him.

"The second goal was outstanding and that is what Steve Melton is all about. He makes great runs and he has got great energy."

Taylor made four changes to the team beaten at Oldham. His decision to leave first team regulars Simon Morgan and Charlie Oatway out of the squad was spectacularly vindicated by Albion's stunning fourth home victory on the trot.

Melton made his first League start under Taylor in place of Oatway and Morgan's teenage deputy Adam Virgo did a sterling job in the centre of defence.

Taylor added: "It was a big test for us after Saturday's disappointment. We were playing the best team in the division and it was the most pleasing 90 minutes I have seen at Withdean.

"I just felt we needed more people to score goals. We've had to rely on Bobby all the time. We took a gamble and it worked out well."

Sub Jamie Cureton scored a 90th minute consolation for Reading but manager Alan Pardew admitted: "We were second best.

"The first goal was crucial and after that Brighton played some good stuff. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say the better team won."