Albion bounced straight back to form by equalling their biggest ever away win in the top two divisions.

Last night’s historic 4-0 romp for Chris Hughton’s rampant Seagulls against Bristol City at Ashton Gate equalled the victory against Bristol Rovers for Alan Mullery’s side in April 1978.

It was the perfect response to Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing at Cardiff as Jamie Murphy, Sam Baldock, Tomer Hemed and an own goal by substitute Mark Little put Albion’s automatic promotion challenge in the Championship immediately back on track.

Hughton told The Argus: “I’m pleased about two things, bouncing back from the defeat (at Cardiff) and also getting four goals.

“Four goals away from home in this division, not many teams do that. I am also pleased about the clean sheet.”

The result meant Albion kept pace with promotion rivals Hull, Middlesbrough and Burnley, who also all won, after the heaviest defeat of Hughton’s reign in Wales at the weekend.

“It was massively important,” he said.

“Credit to the team. We’ve had two bad away days at Rotherham and Cardiff and on both occasions they’ve bounced back.

“It was emphatic. We generally don’t score four goals. It was a really good performance.”

Skipper Bruno went off at half-time with a knock to the back of the knee.

Kazenga LuaLua also missed out with a minor knee problem.