Albion re-ignited their play-off push in spectacular style – by putting their derby rivals to the sword.

Leo Ulloa scored twice and David curled in a perfect free-kick as the Seagulls thumped Crystal Palace 3-0 before 28,499 at The Amex.

The result avenges the Seagulls’ defeat by the same scoreline at Selhurst Park earlier in the season and, more importantly, takes them level on points with sixth-placed Leicester.

Ulloa made the breakthrough in the 44th minute with a far post header after his initial flick on had released Will Buckley to provide the cross from the right.

Buckley was then fouled for a free-kick which David curled over the wall and in off the underside of the bar in added time.

Ulloa eased any fears of a comeback by Palace – whose double half-time substitution included the introduction of Kevin Phillips – by adding his second in the 51st minute.

The big striker was left all alone to volley in Andrea Orlandi’s header after Liam Bridcutt had crossed.

Julian Speroni denied Ulloa a hat-trick by saving a well-struck drive.

Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak also played a part.

His alert save to his right to prevent a Matt Upson header going into his own net at 0-0 was a key moment against a Palace side who looked very bright for most of the first half.

Albion, though, were in full cry once ahead, helped by a sparkling display down the left by the recalled Kazenga LuaLua.