Two-goal Tomer Hemed believes Albion’s long overdue home penalty was the key moment in a thumping home win.

The Israel international coolly chipped in on 18 minutes to spark the 4-0 romp against Leeds.

It was the first penalty the Seagulls had been awarded in competitive action at the Amex since Leo Ulloa blazed over against Middlesbrough almost two years ago.

And the first they had converted on home turf since Ashley Barnes fired in against Leicester almost 27 months ago.

Hemed, who converted in a friendly against Sevilla, said: “We didn’t get a penalty since the Wolves game (at Molineux in September) and I’m happy I scored.

“This goal opened the game and from that moment we felt more comfortable.

“I’m happy we won the game, I’m happy with my goals and I’m happy we did back-to-back wins. That’s important.

“We need to keep playing like that from now until the end of the season.”

Hemed felt the heat was on the Seagulls after wins on Saturday for Middlesbrough and Burnley in the promotion race.

He followed those results and said: “Sometimes there is some effect when you play last but we were concentrated on our game.

“I think everyone saw from the first minute we played well.”