Brighton 1 Barnsley 2: Managerless Barnsley end long wait for win

The pair were on target either side of half-time at the Amex Stadium, as the Tykes – under caretaker boss Micky Mellon – forged ahead in their first Championship match since the weekend dismissal of David Flitcroft.

Matthew Upson got the hosts back in it by halving the deficit just after the hour mark, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

The Seagulls, who went into the game boasting a six-match unbeaten run, settled quickly and Spanish midfielder David Lopez drove wide before a dangerous cross from Welshman Andrew Crofts was cleared by captain Martin Crainey.

Winger Craig Conway went close to giving Brighton the lead by capping a surging run with a fierce shot from the edge of the area which goalkeeper Jack Butland did well to push onto the crossbar.

Barnsley, without a goal in 290 minutes heading into the game, looked threatening when Polish midfielder Tomasz Cywka broke into the area and his shot was blocked by defender Bruno Saltor.

The Seagulls were shaken when Northern Ireland international McCourt struck to end Barnsley’s goal drought.

He broke strongly through the middle and, after playing a one-two with Marcus Tudgay, beat Tomasz Kuszczak with a close-range shot which the goalkeeper got a hand to but could not keep out.

Barnsley doubled their advantage five minutes after the break with a superbly worked goal from Mellis, who latched onto a smart low pass from Tudgay.

Mellis timed his run to perfection and, although Kuszczak managed to get a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from sailing into the roof of the net.

Former England defender Upson struck to put Brighton back in the game by rising unchallenged to head home a corner from Conway in the 62nd minute.

But Barnsley were relieved that the only remaining drama saw referee James Linington forced off injured 20 minutes from timer.

Brighton: Kuszczak, Saltor, Greer, Upson, Ward, Crofts, Bridcutt, Forster-Caskey (Buckley 46), Lopez (Agustien 65), Barnes (Lita 82),Conway. Unused substitutes: Brezovan, El-Abd, Calderon, Ince.

Barnsley: Butland, Wiseman, Ramage, Cranie, Kennedy, McCourt (Dawson 75), Perkins, Cywka, Etuhu (Scotland 90), Mellis (O’Brien 78),Tudgay. Unused substitutes: Hassell, Mvoto, Dibble, Fox.

Referee: J Linington (Isle of Wight).