Blackpool 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Inigo Calderon's first-half strike boosted Brighton's play-off hopes as they secured a 1-0 win at Blackpool.

Brighton's Leonardo Ulloa hit the post early on, before Calderon was allowed to cut inside and beat Matt Gilks with a low, left-footed effort.

Dan Gosling twice went close for Blackpool, with Tom Ince shooting wide.

The victory moves Brighton three points clear of Blackpool into eighth, with goal difference separating them from the play-offs.

For Blackpool, it is now six games without a win, meaning they have won just one of their last six home matches.

The Seagulls started the game the more threatening as Ulloa twice went close before he curled a shot against the post.

Brighton's dominance then paid off when Spanish defender Calderon was given space to open the scoring.

Blackpool showed a renewed vigour early in the second half, with Gosling seeing a low shot blocked just seconds after the restart.

But they were unable to maintain their pressure and the fans made their frustrations clear, not least when boss Paul Ince replaced striker Michael Chopra with Steven Davies on 74 minutes.

Will Buckley could have put the result beyond doubt on 79 minutes as he raced on to a long ball, but Gilks beat away his attempted lob.

At the other end, Chris Basham's powerful header, from a Barry Ferguson free-kick, was well saved by Tomasz Kuszczak but Blackpool were unable to force an equaliser.

Blackpool assistant manager Alex Rae:

"We're obviously disappointed to lose in the manner we did. It was really only one incident in the first half, we've switched off and allowed the boy to run and he's beaten the keeper at the near post.

"Apart from that I don't think there was a great deal between the two teams.

"We huffed and puffed and tried to get some momentum going. We need the fans to get behind us and all be in it together.

"I've been a fan myself, and I know they are disappointed. The problem from our point of view is we haven't got a lot of options to change things. We can understand the fans' frustration."

Brighton boss Oscar Garcia:

"I'm very happy with the performance of all the players.

"I'm very happy also with Inigo Calderon. He wasn't playing for a long time but he's always prepared and always focused.

"He was outstanding here and in all the training sessions. He deserved the goal and I'm very happy for him. He plays with a lot of enthusiasm."