A fine Tomer Hemed strike sealed a 1-0 win for Brighton against Cardiff that sent the Seagulls top of the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday evening.

The striker ensured his side - in front of a 26,688 crowd at the Amex Stadium - recorded their fifth successive home league win and moved two points above Newcastle.

Cardiff, who had won their previous three league matches, were heading for a first clean sheet on the road since the opening day of the season before Hemed broke their resistance 17 minutes from time.

Brighton enjoyed early possession and City had a let-off when, following a quick throw, Solly March's cross to the far post narrowly eluded Jamie Murphy.

Image: Tomer Hemed celebrates his goal on Tuesday evening

Israel international Hemed, leading the Seagulls attack with Glenn Murray suspended, went close with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area.

Cardiff, who went into the game not having lost at Brighton for 15 years, threatened when Joe Ralls fired into the side-netting after Junior Hoilett set up the chance.

Image: Lewis Dunk heads towards goal for Brighton

City had an escape when central defender Lewis Dunk failed to make contact from inside the six-yard box following a corner from Anthony Knockaert.

Knockaert fired a free-kick wide of goalkeeper Allan McGregor's left post on the half hour after Hoilett brought down Connor Goldson a yard outside the area.

Seagulls keeper David Stockdale pulled off two fine saves in quick succession to deny City, first tipping over a goal-bound header from skipper Sean Morrison.

Image: Hemed scored a fine goal for Brighton at the Amex Stadium

Stockdale then parried a shot from 15 yards from Hoilett as the Bluebirds gained in confidence.

On-loan Hull shot-stopper McGregor, making his away debut for Cardiff, did well at the other end to parry a stinging left-foot drive from March just before the interval.

Brighton should have broken the deadlock five minutes after the break when Hemed wastefully shot wide after March delivered a perfect cross just outside the six-yard box.

Image: Hemed tries to find space against Cardiff players

March, playing just behind Hemed, set up the Israeli again with a neat pass and the striker's low shot was taken by McGregor.

Cardiff had a lucky escape when, from a Knockaert free-kick, central defender Shane Duffy headed wide from a good position from close range.

Albion boss Chris Hughton made his first change after 71 minutes when Beram Kayal gave way to Oliver Norwood and, from a corner from the substitute, Goldson had a low shot blocked by Greg Halford.

Image: Jamie Murphy is chased by Aron Gunnarsson on Tuesday evening

The Seagulls clinched victory in the 73rd minute through Hemed, who latched onto a pass from Norwood before turning on the edge of the area and beating McGregor with a powerful shot.

McGregor prevented the hosts from doubling their lead by keeping out a goal-bound shot from Murphy late on.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton said:

"Tomer has not started many games and he has been frustrated, no doubt. But he's done what every good professional does and that is makes the most the opportunity when it has come

"We have shown ability to get over the line and are capable of winning games in different ways. We are always in the game and you always know that we can turn it.

Image: Brighton manager Chris Hughton says he always had faith his side would find the goal

"In this performance I was confident we would score. I always felt we had enough in the side to be able to find the goal."

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said:

"I think Brighton are the best team and Newcastle have the best squad. The 12-point gap to third place means that the top two can lose four or five games and still go up.

"Chris [Hughton] will be pleased to come out of this game with a win but you want them to go up after last season. It was a travesty that they missed out then.

"We put them in a game. The atmosphere was fabulous, we know Brighton come at you but we weathered it in the first half and created chances. Jazz Richards handled Anthony Knockaert very well really but when the goal came Hemed hit it with such power."