Albion boss Chris Hughton was left mystified by his team's first half defending in the 3-2 derby defeat at Crystal Palace.

The Seagulls had not conceded three goals in an away game this season until letting in three in the opening 24 minutes at Selhurst Park, two from corners and the first header of two-goal Wilfried Zaha's Premier League career.

Hughton said: "I don't think you can (explain it). You work in the week on set plays.

"We haven't conceded a goal from a corner since West Brom, so that's hugely disappointing.

"We conceded two goals from corners and one from the type of run that Zaha makes. We've certainly lost out because of the first half performance."

The Argus: Glenn Murray's 14th goal of the season and Jose Izquierdo's fifth (above) kept Albion in the hunt.

They were the better side in the second half and Murray missed a late chance to score again against his old club with a volley from Beram Kayal's cross, flicked on by sub Leo Ulloa.

Hughton said: Did I expect him to (score?) Yes, probably on most occasions he would have put that away, but he's usually there.

"It's a difficult period for us at the moment but there is enough in our game that gives us confidence that we can get results."

Albion have now taken one point out of 12 since beating Arsenal at the Amex but remain seven points clear of the relegation zone in 13th with five games to go.

They face Hughton's old club Spurs at the Amex on Tuesday night.