BRIGHTON’S Danny Welbeck claimed the South Coast Champions League bragging rights against Bournemouth.
The super-sub beat-up the Cherries with a stylish second-half winner which had the Seagulls flying level on points with their coastal rivals.
Joao Pedro had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot but that was wiped out by a fabulous Justin Kluivert equaliser.
But former Manchester United and Arsenal star Welbeck won the neighbourly contest with the winner 15 minutes from time.
Both seaside towns have been in splashing form in their bid to claim their place at the top European table next season.
But it was the side from Sussex who came out on top again with their fourth successive home win against the boys from Dorset.
Bournemouth were forced to rearrange their back line when defender Illia Zabarnyi lost his appeal against Saturday’s sending off against Wolves.
James Hill took his place alongside teenage centre-back sensation Dean Huijsen.
It was a big blow for the Cherries as the Ukraine star had played every minute of the season until he was red carded against Wanderers.
Brighton gave their January signing, former Inter-Miami star Diego Gomez his full debut-and the Paraguayan didn’t let his team down.
He was a constant threat and did indeed provide the pass that led to Pedro’s first half penalty.
The visitors started well with Ryan Christie forcing Albion goalkeeper to Bart Verbruggen to dive full length to his left to claw his shot away.
Brighton responded well and had the Cherries new look defence in disarray.
Georginio Rutter sent a powerful header wide just before Kaoru Mitoma ran through and sent a side-effort rolling past the far post.
But Gomez made his mark when he sent Joao Pedro into the box hounded by defender Dean Huijsen.
The striker kept his feet until Cherries stopper Kepa raced out of goal and bundled him over.
Referee Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot which didn’t go down with the Chelsea loanee claiming he didn’t touch the player.
But VAR confirmed the 12th minute spot-kick and Pedro sent Kepa the wrong way for his seventh goal of the campaign.
The visitors got their game back on track but were dealt a blow when a hobbling Christie had to be replaced by Alex Scott on 26 minutes.
Bournemouth were being pinned back by a vibrant Albion side but were always threatening with a quick counter-attack.
The Seagulls were unlucky not to double their lead on 37 minutes when Mitoma volleyed Tariq Lamptey cross against the post.
At the other end Antoine Semenyo showed three home players a clean pair of heels before he thumped his shot straight at Verbruggen.
Brighton looked dangerous whenever they attacked no doubt fired up by the fact they had just beaten Chelsea 3-0 and Southampton 4-0 in their last league fixtures.
Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who had scored nine times on the road in the Premier League, had a quiet first half.
But straight after the break the Dutchman came alive seeing his cross glide just wide of the home goal.
Kluivert wasn’t looking glum for long because he was soon celebrating his 13th goal of the campaign on 61 minutes.
The winger took Milos Kerkez’s pass in his stride, moved inside before thumping a rocket into the far corner of the net from 18 yards.
Bournemouth had their tails up but Welbeck brought them down to earth soon after entering the field.
He controlled Rutter’s pass with his right foot before gently placing it with his left past Kepa into the net.
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