Defender Dunk happy to put his body on the line for Brighton

Lewis Dunk attacks a set-piece against Watford. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

The Seagulls conceded four second half goals in their midweek loss at Fulham after leading 2-0 at half-time.

Dunk felt Albion deserved to beat the Hornets at the Amex on Saturday when they kept their fifth clean sheet of the season.

That was partly down to some non-textbook defending from Dunk, who put his head in the way of the ball to stop Andre Gray from shooting while lying on the floor.

Albion's captain said afterwards: "You've just got to stop it going in the goal and take one for the team.

"Luckily he didn't hit the ball as my head might have flown off but you've just got to put your body on the line. That's what we pride ourselves on to make sure we get clean sheets and if I have to do that every week, I'll do it.

"I know the boys next to me will do it as well. I'm just lucky he didn't kick it.

"Straight after it, I was thinking 'I was lucky there'. I even said to him 'thanks for not kicking it' but at the time, you just stick your head there as you don't want it to go in the goal.

"That's the aim of the game, to stop it going in the goal and you do whatever it takes."

Dunk felt Brighton had enough chances to claim all three points and said: "That was the reaction we needed and I think we deserved the win today.

"We defended very well, they had one shot which hit the side netting at the end but we've got to take our chances.

"It was a great reaction. The second half the other day was our worst and will probably be our worst for a long time.

"It was a good reaction from all of the boys.

"We showed today we're a good team and we can create chances.

"On another day, we win 3-0 or 4-0. I just watched the highlights back and another day a few of the boys move a little different and it goes in the back of the net.

"We've got to keep playing like that and if we do, then we'll be more than comfortable."

HAVE YOU READ?

Six things we learned from Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford

Brighton v Watford player ratings

Brighton v Watford fan and action picture gallery

Hughton felt Brighton's goalless draw with Watford was 'a game that we should have won'

Watford boss Gracia pleased with defensive performance against 'demanding' Brighton

Match report: Brighton 0, Watford 0