Brighton and Hove Albion reignited their survival bid with their biggest and best win of the season.

The rampant Seagulls stunned play-off chasing Wolves to throw themselves a lifeline in the battle to beat the drop.

Goals by the outstanding Bobby Zamora and Dean Blackwell in the first half, then Paul Brooker and Gary Hart after the break gave Steve Coppell's side their first League win for six matches and first at home since November 16.

The fit-again Ben Roberts, back in goal in place of Dave Beasant, made early saves from Adam Proudlock and Mark Kennedy before the Seagulls seized the initiative in spectacular fashion.

Zamora put them ahead on 31 minutes with a stretching volley from a Brooker cross, his ninth of the season.

Blackwell, making his first start since November in place of the injured Nathan Jones, headed his first for the club from a Richard Carpenter free kick on the stroke of half-time.

Brooker stretched the lead in scintillating style on 47 minutes. He finished off a sweeping move the length of the field involving Kerry Mayo, Zamora and Hart for his fourth of the campaign.

Kenny Miller briefly gave Wolves hope with a diving header on 65 minutes, his fifth goal in four games.

Hart, controversially sent off in Tuesday's home defeat by Wimbledon, put the issue beyond doubt two minutes later by rounding Matt Murray to slot his fifth of the season.

It was an astonishing result, greeted rapturously by a crowd of 6,754.

Wolves arrived with the meanest defensive record away from home in Division One but went away with their tails firmly between their legs.

Elsewhere at the foot of the table, Grimsby beat Stoke 2-0 in their relegation battle at Blundell Park and Sheffield Wednesday came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home with Norwich.

Albion are still bottom, a point below Wednesday, two behind Stoke and still five adrift of Grimsby and safety.