Brighton & Hove Albion gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm with a 1-0 win against Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Saturday.

The result marked their third consecutive victory as Chris Hughton's return to Championship management continued with an important three points in London.

The Addicks had an early chance on six minutes when Johann Berg Gudmundsson's shot was blocked, before Lawrie Wilson fired over the bar.

Brighton were awarded a free kick in a promising position before the half-hour mark, but Danny Holla wasted it by shooting well over the bar.

Andre Bikey's clever bit of skill earned him enough room for a shot on 31 minutes, but the defender could only fire straight at David Stockdale in a first half of few real chances.

A couple of half-chances fell Charlton's way in quick succession, but Igor Vetokele could only head over before Rhoys Wiggins's cut-back was blazed over.

Charlton's best chance of the first half came on the stroke of the break, but Stockdale managed to keep the ball out after an earlier effort had been cleared off the line.

Tal Ben-Haim almost made an impact with a long-range shot after the restart, but Stockdale eventually gathered at the second attempt after spilling the initial effort.

Brighton almost profited from a corner when Lewis Dunk headed onto the roof of the net on the hour mark.

The struggling visitors did take the lead shortly after when Ince's downward header skipped in, moments after Charlton had hit the bar through Solly March.

March went close in the dying stages, but it was Brighton who held on for the victory.