Albion’s play-off hopes suffered a cruel setback as they lost 2-1 at home to rivals Wigan today.

The Seagulls dominated much of the match and created a host of chances, some of them very clearcut.

But they were beaten by a goal in each half before Leo Ulloa continued his streak of home goals by pulling one back.

James McArthur curled Wigan ahead on 21 minutes but the Seagulls had already played some good stuff by then.

They should have levelled straight away but Dale Stephens thumped Stephen Ward’s cutback against the underside of the bar when well placed.

Chris McCann headed what proved to be the winner in the 50th minute from a corner.

But Albion poured forward and got some reward as Ulloa fired in from close range following a flag kick on 78 minutes.

Ali Al Habsi later spooned a curled by lively sub Will Buckley away from goal – and just past the oncoming Ulloa.

Rohan Ince was inches from firing in from outside the box as his effort flashed wide.

And there were numerous other dangerous situations for Wigan to deal with before they could celebrate the win – with boss Uwe Rosler punching the air in triumph at the final whistle.

The Seagulls were clapped off by their fans at the end but have now fallen three points behind the fast-emerging Latics.