Evan Ferguson boosts Brighton's European aspirations with victory at Bournemouth

Evan Ferguson scored a delightful back-heeled opener as Brighton boosted their European aspirations with a 2-0 success which pushed Bournemouth back into the Premier League relegation zone.

Republic of Ireland striker Ferguson stylishly flicked home Kaoru Mitoma’s low cross in the 28th minute to set sixth-placed Albion on course to move within four points of the Champions League spots.

Substitute Julio Enciso secured victory for the Seagulls in added time with his first goal for the club.

Hamed Traore squandered a golden first-half opportunity to equalise for lowly Bournemouth, who slipped into the drop zone on goal difference after missing a host of chances.

A big win for Roberto De Zerbi’s men was tempered slightly by influential midfielder Moises Caicedo limping off 10 minutes from time with an apparent ankle injury.

Brighton travelled along the south coast having not lost on the road since October 22 and with only one defeat this calendar year.

Fit-again striker Ferguson, who missed Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Brentford due to a minor injury, and defender Adam Webster were recalled, while Bournemouth restored Traore and Ryan Christie to their starting XI.

Following a lack of goalmouth action in an end-to-end opening period delayed by referee Darren Bond requiring assistance with his communication equipment, Albion seized the initiative just before the half-hour mark thanks to a moment of magic.

Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi could only partially clear Pervis Estupinan’s initial cross and, after Japan winger Mitoma sent the ball back across goal, 18-year-old Ferguson produced a nonchalant finish into the bottom-right corner from around seven yards.

Brighton’s breakthrough – the game’s first attempt on