Chris Hughton praised his penalty takers – and said his side deserved to beat Leeds tonight.

Glenn Murray and sub Tomer Hemed were spot on to secure a 2-0 win at the Amex.

The result sends the Seagulls top overnight.

Hughton said: “I thought even before the (first) penalty we were the better side but you need to back that up with goals.

“We were the side more likely to score than them but we were at home and you need to force the issue.

“These are a very good Leeds side and we knew they would be hard to break down.

“The penalty changes the game as regards the scoreline.

“Both penalties were put away very well."

He added: “It has to be generally a good all round performance to beat what you regard as the better teams – and these are that at the moment.

“Against ten men we could have made it a little bit more comfortable for ourselves but I’m delighted."