Dale Stephens’ superb finish clinched a sixth win in seven for table-topping Albion - and sent them five points clear.

But their 2-1 success over battling Rotherham at the Amex was more tense than it probably needed to be.

Stephens connected with a cleanly hit drive from the edge of the box to double the Seagulls’ lead on 67 minutes.

They went ahead on 27 minutes when Tomer Hemed struck at the near post after good work from the lively Jamie Murphy.

But Rotherham came back into the contest just four minutes after Stephens' goal.

Sub Jonson Clarke-Harris glanced home a superb free-kick delivery from Joe Newell on the right flank to put his side back in the game.

That was the first goal the Seagulls had conceded at home this season and Rotherham piled players forward late on in search of a point.

But they never really threatened and Lee Camp had to be alert to fingertip Bruno’s fabulous volley over at the other end.