Albion are sitting proudly on top of the Second Division again, thanks to Paul Watson's appetite for late winners.

The hero from Hastings struck four minutes into stoppage time at Withdean last night to snatch a 1-0 victory over Stoke.

Rightback Watson pounced when Stoke keeper Gavin Ward made a mess of punching clear a cross from substitute Nathan Jones to clinch the Seagulls' 11th straight home League triumph.

Albion's dead ball expert also hit a last-gasp winner in the previous home game against QPR.

Boss Micky Adams said: "I would have taken a 0-0, but Watto came good at the end. We are delighted to get the three points.

"I don't think either team deserved to lose or win, but we will take it. They say it is better to be a lucky manager than a good manager. Luck is part of the game and it is going for us at the moment."

Danny Cullip, returning from hamstring trouble, and Simon Morgan were outstanding at the heart of the defence against a strong Stoke side, while Michel Kuipers made a fine save in the second half to foil fellow Dutchman Peter Hoekstra.

Morgan ended the match with his head swathed in bandages after suffering a cut at the top of his nose which required three stitches. Adams said: "They are big and physical. We had to match them for that and there was some heroic defending at times."

The Seagulls were briefly in top spot following last Friday's win at Wrexham. Now they are heading the rest again after Oldham were beaten by Colchester and Bristol City drew with Brentford.

Adams added: "We are enjoying it, but we're not getting carried away. There are a lot of teams out there gunning for us."

Stoke could be in trouble after a steward was hit by a coin thrown from the away section as he escorted the referee off the pitch at the end.

Albion have an opportunity to cement their position in Saturday's south coast derby against Bournemouth at Withdean, which has been designated by the club as their centenary fixture.

For a full match report see thisisthealbion.co.uk