Supersub Tony Rougier became an instant hero as Albion chalked up a hat-trick of wins for the first time in ten months to creep out of the relegation zone.

The on-loan Reading forward scored three minutes into his debut to earn Steve Coppell's side three more priceless points in their battle to beat the drop.

Grimsby conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Ipswich, so Albion are now out of the bottom three by a point.

Coppell made an inspired substitution on 62 minutes when he brought on Rougier in place of Paul Brooker.

The powerful Trinidad and Tobago International stabbed home the winner from Graham Barrett's short pass on 65 minutes to deny depleted Millwall.

It was a remarkable impact for Rougier. He scored only once in 33 games for Reading last season and that was not until April.

Rougier has netted twice in 12 outings for the Royals this season but he has struggled for goals since leaving Port Vale.

Albion just about deserved their victory before a crowd of 6,751 at Withdean.

The match almost didn't get under way at all because of a power failure which knocked out the floodlights.

Bobby Zamora, watched by Spurs chief Glenn Hoddle, hit the post in the first half with a low left-foot shot and had another effort blocked by Millwall keeper Tony Warner with an outstretched leg.

Millwall, missing nine players, were dangerous on the break and from set pieces, especially in the first half when Brighton born Paul Ifill fired just wide.

But Dave Beasant had little to do on his return in goal as Ivar Ingimarsson celebrated his home debut by helping the Seagulls to successive clean sheets.

Elsewhere at the bottom Stoke have dropped to the foot of the table after they were stuffed 6-0 at Nottingham Forest, Marlon Harewood scoring four in the first half.

Sheffield Wednesday picked up a point in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.

Zamora serves a one-match suspension and Gary Hart the second of a four-match ban when Albion visit Gillingham next Saturday.