Brighton finally put a ball into the box which at least troubles the Newcastle defence.

Shane Duffy heads the ball back across goal and Beram Kayal gets a head on it to keep it in play but the Magpies manage to scramble the danger clear.

No is the answer.

Mo Diame gets a head on the ball in and clears for Newcastle.

That is his last contribution of the day as he is replaced by Jack Colback.

Diame gets a warm reception from the Magpies fans as he head for the bench.

Brighton win a free-kick just outside the Newcastle box on the left as Chancel Mbemba trips Knockaert.

Can Albion finally get an effort on goal to test Matz Sels?

Image source, Rex Features

Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert tries his luck from distance but his effort is wayward.

It hasn't really happened for the Frenchman, or the Seagulls, today.

Brighton swing in another free-kick as they look for a way back into the game.

This one from Anthony Knockaert goes to the back post but right-back Bruno can't get on the end of it.

Newcastle get the ball back. They are controlling proceedings at the moment.

Image source, Rex Features

Both summarisers on BBC local radio feel Sam Baldock might have been a bit harshly treated with that second yellow card.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez makes his first change. Right-back Vurnon Anita comes off and it replaced by Jesus Gamez.

It's a league debut for the Spaniard.

The 'oles' can be heard from the Newcastle fans at St James's Park, with the hosts dominating possession.

They can't immediately.

Jonjo Shelvey calls Albion keeper David Stockdale into action again.

His left-footed strike from the edge of the area is heading in at the far post but Stockdale gets down and manages to get fingertips to the ball to turn it behind for a corner.

Newcastle could well get a third before the game is finished.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton sparks and makes a triple change in an attempt to get back into the game.

Off go midfielder Steve SIdwell, winger Jiri Skalak and striker Glenn Murray.

On come Oliver Norwood, Kazenga LuaLua and Tomer Hemed.

Three straight swaps there. Can this trio spark a comeback?

Newcastle come forward again and Ayoze Perez almost gets on the end of a ball in from Matt Ritchie.

The Magpies are very comfortable against Brighton's 10 men at the moment.

Sidwell now concedes a free-kick for a challenge on Mo Diame.

This is in a decent position for Newcastle, centrally located about 25 yards out from goal.

Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey are sizing it up.

Brighton midfielder Steve Sidwell strikes at goal from just outside the box but his effort is blocked by a defender.

That sums up Albion's game so far. Magpies keeper Matz Sels has hardly been tested.

Image source, Rex Features

Newcastle have been very much on top since that red card.

A long spells of possession leads to a shooting chance for Mo Diame, but his effort goes miles over the bar.

This should be simple for the hosts to close out against 10 men. Brighton have hardly threatened all afternoon.

Brighton are up against it now.

Striker Sam Baldock goes to close down a clearing kick from Newcastle keeper Matz Sels.

Sels takes his time and Baldock clips the Belgian's left leg with his body after the ball had gone.

Referee Keith Stroud shows Baldock a second yellow card and he trudges off, arguing his case with the fourth official on his way down the tunnel.

Brighton come close to an equaliser!

Beram Kayal sneaks in behind the Newcastle defence and cuts back inside from the left hand side of the box.

The ball drifts to Anthony Knockaert and his effort clips the top of the bar.

Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles then gets shown a yellow card for arguing Kayal was offside.

Brighton put together a series of passes and left-back Gaetan Bong lifts the ball into the box.

Glenn Murray volleys towards goal from around the penalty spot but his effort is blocked by Paul Dummett.

Better play from Brighton.

Newcastle create their first opening of the match, as Yoan Gouffran volleys well over the bar from Vurnon Anita's ball into the box.

Brighton have started the half comfortable in possession but have kept the ball at the back for the last couple of minutes.

Can their attackers create the chances they failed to in the first half?

Image source, Rex Features