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Middlesbrough extended their unbeaten run to seven league games with victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Boro went in front when Lee Tomlin steered a shot into the top right-hand corner from just inside box.

The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half as Albert Adomah tapped in after seeing his initial effort saved by David Stockdale.

Gordon Greer scored a late consolation for Brighton, heading in Paddy McCourt's corner at the far post.

Middlesbrough moved up to third in the Championship table, while Brighton's defeat left them only one point above the relegation zone.

Kazenga LuaLua fired over and Gary Gardner failed to connect properly when well placed in the box as Brighton made the brighter start, but the visitors took the lead on eight minutes.

Grant Leadbitter released Adam Reach down the left flank and he found Tomlin, who fired his first league goal of the season past Stockdale.

Brighton substitute McCourt came close to an equaliser shortly after half-time, beating three defenders during a solo run from inside the centre circle before shooting just wide.

Kike hit the side-netting from a narrow angle for Middlesbrough, but the Teesside outfit doubled their lead when Daniel Ayala's cross picked out Ghana international Adomah, who was presented with a simple tap-in after Stockdale's initial save.

The home side struggled to break down the Middlesbrough defence, but eventually rallied, as Chris O'Grady shot wide and Joe Bennett sent a header straight at Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Brighton pulled a goal back with two minutes remaining when Scotland international Greer headed in after Adrian Colunga had flicked on McCourt's corner.

However, the Seagulls were unable to find an equaliser and have now gone eight league games without a win.

Brighton boss Sami Hyypia: "I'm ambitious and want to be successful. I'm willing and I'm not a quitter, I'm a fighter and I hope our team is full of fighters.

"Our performance wasn't close to the best performance. We had chances before both the goals and it's difficult to say why we're not scoring from our chances; I don't know if it's a question of frustration."

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka: "In this league you have to work 100% and today was a good example. The team is gelling well as a unit and we kept good organisation.

"Brighton are a very good team with a very good stadium and they are in a false position. I'm sure they will be climbing the table in the future."