Albion boss Chris Hughton has absolved Gordon Greer of blame for spurning a last-gasp chance to grab victory against Cardiff at the Amex.

The skipper missed the target from a yard out at the far post from a cross by Dale Stephens, who cancelled out Joe Mason's early strike for the Welshmen in the 1-1 draw.

Hughton told The Argus: "They are the ones that are the most difficult, because if he gets a good view of the ball and is able to adjust then he scores.

"But sometimes when the ball comes across, you're not quite sure it's coming, you see it at the last minute, so I can understand why.

"We had a lot of chances and got into some really good areas.

"If we continue putting in performance like that then we will have a chance of being as consistent as we have been."

Hughton praised the performance of Solly March, deputising on the left-wing for the injured Kazenga LuaLua and banned Jamie Murphy.

"I was pleased because I thought he was a little bit loose to start with," Hughton said. "After the (Cardiff) goal they sat back a little bit and didn't leave too much space in that first half.

"I think he benefited from the game opening up and after that he became a real threat, getting in numerous crosses and having efforts himself."

Albion are still top of the Championship and unbeaten in ten games entering the international break, despite a hat-trick of draws against Wolves, Bolton and Cardiff.

Hughton added: "Certainly from the three games we should have won two of them, which would have given us an extra four points, but you always have to evaluate over a period of time things that go for you and against.

"In Cardiff we played a very good team. No team is going to lay down and make life comfortable for you. I don't think we could have asked any more than being in the position in the league where we are."