It's been a very quiet opening 20 minutes at Ewood Park.

Derby's Tom Ince has had the best chance, slicing David Nugent's lay-off way wide.

Not much else to report so far.

Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner gathers an errant Bobby Reid pass and charges into the Bristol City box, where he's brought down by keeper Fabian Giefer.

Jonathan Kodjia steps up to take the penalty... and slams his effort off the crossbar and up into the stands.

Brighton are forced into an early change at left-back.

Sebastien Pocognoli was carrying a groin strain and he can't continue.

he's been replaced by teenage Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori.

Will that switch affect Brighton's back four?

What response have Newcastle got?

They've had less than 40% of possession so far.

Image source, Rex Features

This could be a big goal in League One, as 17th-placed Gillingham have taken an early lead at Swindon, Cody McDonald slotting in from close range.

Shrewsbury, one place below the Gills in the table, are also hoping to pull further clear of the relegation zone, and they've taken a 1-0 lead over Charlton through Louis Dodds' early goal.

Meanwhile, bottom side Coventry have fallen behind early on, James Vaughan putting Bury into a 1-0 lead.

There haven't been many chances in the early stages at Villa Park, but Bristol City almost open the scoring as Bailey Wright heads against the crossbar.

Moments later, Mile Jedinak has a shot deflected behind for a corner for the hosts.

The game is definitely starting to come to life now.

Phil Brown
Southend manager on BBC Radio 5 live

It's nothing more than they deserve. It hasn't been absolutely one way traffic but they've been knocking at the door, asking questions.

They've got themselves a soft penalty as a result and stuck it in the back of the net.

From the resulting corner, referee Robert Madley points to the spot!

There was some grappling in the area while the delivery came in from the right hand side

It looks like the offending incident was a pull by Ciaran Clark on Glenn Murray.

Brighton work a clever routine, and come so close to the opening goal!.

Knockaert flicks the ball over the wall but Sam Baldock can't quite connect completely with it, and Karl Darlow saves at the expense of a corner.

Brighton get a free-kick just outside the area as Matt Ritchie fells Anthony Knockaert while challenging for a loose ball.

It's about 20 yards out, just to the right of the D. They might have a dig here.

Brighton have had the better of the early exchanges and are looking comfortable on the ball.

A couple of dangerous balls into the box from the left have had to be dealt with.

Bruno just looked to release Albion striker Sam Baldock, and he got away from Jamaal Lascelles, but the former West Ham man couldn't control it.

Newcastle haven't mounted a meaningful attack as yet.

Paul Thompson:  Nervous Blackburn fan this evening. Need some Mowbray magic to get us out of the mess we're in. Great time to play Derby- COYR!

Jonny Duchezeau:  Bruno's beard is so impressive that it looks fake  

Image source, Rex Features

The first opening of the evening, as a clearance drops to Albion skipper Bruno 20 yards from goal.

The Spaniard connects well, but his volley is straight at Karl Darlow, who palms it away.

Replays show that one swerved quite a bit before getting to the keeper. A good save.

Phil Brown
Southend manager on BBC Radio 5 live

In these sort of games the opening stages are so important. They've got to keep a cool, calm head. There's one or two hot heads on the pitch. 

I think the referee will know that and he'll certainly referee the situation, not the occasion.

Jamie Murphy knocks in a teasing cross from the left-hand side, but Magpies left-back Paul Dummett is there to head it away from danger in front of Albion striker Glenn Murray.

A fairly low-key opening down in Sussex so far.

Jonjo Shelvey launched a free-kick long which Albion keeper David Stockdale gathered easily.

Mohamed Diame has just given away a free-kick just inside the Newcastle half for a foul on Bruno.

Brighton pop it into the box but Shane Duffy is offside.

Image source, BBC Sport

The hosts get us underway in this clash of the top two on the south coast.

Brighton are in their traditional blue and white stripes, while Newcastle are in their black away kit, which has some orange trim.

The referee tonight is Robert Madley.

The teams are out at the Amex Stadium, to the traditional strains of Sussex by the Sea.

Kick-off is a couple of minutes away.