Chris Hughton has praised his goalkeeper’s part in Albion’s win over Fulham.

But he would have preferred David Stockdale to have been a bit less busy.

Stockdale twice denied Floyd Ayite in the 2-1 success over his old club and also parried a shot from Scott Malone.

He lost his footing when Kevin McDonald headed Fulham in front, possibly as a result of contact with team-mate Dale Stephens in the goalmouth.

Albion boss Hughton said: “He had to deal with a lot of crosses, he was blocked on a few occasions. He was a little bit unfortunate on the goal.

“It was a busy day, one we would prefer him not to have, but you are going to get days when you are reliant on a keeper performing well.”

Stockdale kept Albion in the game during a sluggish first half.

Hughton added: “We know we weren’t at anywhere near our best in the first half. We afforded a very good Fulham team too much space and time on the ball.

“Probably the biggest thing in that first half was we didn’t keep the ball well enough.

“It gives them a lot of possession and they can use it very well.”