In the second half I felt we had a right go

Last updated : 01 September 2012 By Tony Scholes

He said of the goal: "We needed to score and that was the difference today. We were having shots and for a moment we thought it would be a day where we had to go back with a point but Macca is on fire.

"During my time a Brighton I don't remember a more spectacular goal. I remember a great strike by Gary Dicker on the volley and shots from LuaLua and Liam Bridcutt but this one is different. It is such a difficult action. It's all about the timing and the power in the shot was just incredible.

"I hope Macca's goal will be on TV for a long time. It was spectacular and that changed the whole game. One action can change a game and that came from Macca today."

He added: "We have been performing well and we have started the league in good condition. We had a good game at Hull but we didn't get the result that we deserved.

"The away win was coming and we needed it. To be near the top you need to win away from home and not just to perform.

"The players were believing and not just after scoring the first goal. They accepted an unfortunate goal against us and kept believing in their own game. That shows the quality of these players.

"We mixed the game up very well today. We knew when to slow it down and keep the ball and when to go and attack the opposition. We created lots of chances.

"It was very important that we finished the game off though and that goal came from Gordon. If you have got the quality in the delivery we are expecting a lot from our centre-halves."

It was a disappointing day for Eddie Howe and Burnley. Hoping to continue the sort of form shown in the previous home game against Bolton, it just didn't happen and he conceded: "When you lose three games in a row the confidence is going to be knocked slightly.

"I think it's such an important aspect of any player's performance. They have to have belief in themselves and with three defeats that has taken a bit of a knock, but it's still so early in the season and we have to be strong, show character and fight back. It's a young group and we have to build them back up and make sure the attitude is right and we'll be fine."

He added: "I was disappointed, especially in the first half. In the second half I felt we had a right go and at 1-1 it was open and could have gone either way.

"We were well in the game and Junior had a great chance from a header and Charlie and Ross had chances too, but we've conceded from three set plays and the second goal knocked the stuffing out of us really.

"It was a great finish, but from our perspective we should have got a head to it before the overhead kick. It was a great finish, but we should have got somebody to it."

Howe was able to recall Martin Paterson as a second half substitute. He said: "We were delighted to get Martin back. He had a fitness test on Saturday morning and he's still not 100 per cent ready, so we decided to start with him on the bench to protect him.

"As for Cameron, there's a lot more to come. He has come in cold and not even trained with us yet, but we're pleased to have him and hopefully he can kick on from here."