Sub Tommy Johnson came back to haunt Albion as they crashed to their first defeat in four games.

The striker scored twice for Notts County against the Seagulls in the 1990-91 Division One play-off final at Wembley.

A dozen years on, the flame-haired front man created Gillingham's first goal and scored the second from the spot after replacing the injured Mamady Sibide.

Albion, missing the banned Bobby Zamora and Gary Hart, gave as good as they got in the first half but that all changed just seconds after the break.

They were caught napping at the back as Dave Beasant parried Johnson's fierce drive, only for Paul Shaw to head home from close range at the far post.

Shaw's eighth of the season and third against Albion gave the men from Kent a crucial advantage which they extended 14 minutes later.

Johnson, on for Sidibe after 17 minutes, was brought down by Ivar Ingimarsson and sent Beasant the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Gillingham's fifth home League win in succession was guaranteed when Nicky Southall's shot on 76 minutes deflected off Dean Blackwell, leaving the unfortunate Beasant completely wrong-footed.

It was a rather tame way for Albion's run of three straight victories to end.

Paul Brooker was off target with two good chances in the opening 15 minutes before a crowd of 9,178 at the Priestfield Stadium.

Beasant also made a fine save from Nyron Nosworthy in a first half in which Albion performed well, with Anthony Rougier making a determined full debut up front.

It was their ninth straight League defeat of the season without Zamora and boss Steve Coppell will be relieved to have him available again for Wednesday's relegation six-pointer at Stoke.

Consolation for the Seagulls came in the form of results elsewhere. The three sides below all lost as well to keep them out of the relegation zone.

Stoke were defeat 1-0 at home by Burnley to remain a point behind them.

Grimsby were beaten 2-0 at home by Coventry to stay adrift of Albion on goal difference, while Sheffield Wednesday are still rooted to the foot of the table, two points behind Stoke, following a 1-0 home defeat against Preston.

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