It was a routine night at the office as Brighton and Hove Albion kicked their Europa Conference League campaign off with a resounding victory.
Two goals in either half comfortably saw off the Lithuanian outfit, as Fabian Hurzeler’s side maintained their electric start to the campaign. Brighton have now won five games on the spin and have lost just once across 10 matches.
They were utterly dominant, in truth, with the stats registering no fewer than 36 attempts by the hosts whereas their limited opponents were powderpuff in comparison. That said, Brighton had to bide their time before going in front. Georginio Rutter eventually made the breakthrough with just four minutes of the half remaining, as he slotted home well from a few yards out although there was an initial question mark over the goal.
Replays seemed inconclusive as to whether the ball had stayed fully in play before Ibrahim Osman teed up Rutter and it was even ruled out on-pitch by the officials before VAR cleared it up and gave it the green light. The hosts then doubled their lead right on the brink of the interval and again Rutter was involved.
The Frenchman did well to pick out the onrushing Jack Hinshelwood and he made no mistake to rifle home. The pattern of the game continued after the break and after Hinshelwood saw a header tipped over, Rutter clinched the third goal of the night – tapping home after another assist from Osman.
Matt O’Riley then added gloss for Albion with the fourth – just seconds after he had hit the post – heading home from debutant Younes Ibrahim’s precise cross.
Next on the agenda for Albion is a Premier League encounter against grudge rivals Crystal Palace, at home, on Sunday. They then hit the road in Europe next Thursday away at Czech club Jablonec.
