Chris Hughton has praised matchwinner Dale Stephens after his strike secured three more away points.

Albion made it ten points out of the last 12 available on the road as Stephens scored at Wigan.

The substitute curled home from five yards outside the box to secure a 1-0 success.

Albion boss Hughton said: “It was a difficult finish. The ball comes across and it is bobbling a bit.

“Apart from the power he can put on it, he has got to be really precise with the type of contact and it was a really good goal.”

Stephens was again on the bench with Ollie Norwood and Steve Sidwell starting together in midfield for the fourth successive match.

Hughton added: “I’m delighted for Dale. It has been difficult for him.

“He has been out of the side of late.

“That is because of the competition we have had plus he has had one or two little injury issues that have taken some of his training days away.

“He has been absolutely committed.

“We all know what happened in the summer (when Stephens was subject of bids from Burnley and submitted a transfer request).

“The crowd have given him a wonderful reception since that and I am really pleased for him.”