ALBION boss Chris Hughton has hailed victory over promotion-chasing Derby as the best of his reign and a triumph for character.

Second half goals by substitutes Dale Stephens and Kazenga LuaLua earned the Seagulls a 2-0 win at the Amex last night against the deposed leaders and moved them nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Hughton told The Argus: "It is probably the best (win) because of the opposition. Ipswich and Leeds were perhaps our best performances on the ball.

"This was a different type of game. The team had to show great character.

"They are a very good footballing side and you can see why they are in the position that they are.

"We had to be very resolute. That's the pleasing factor for me, the amount of blocks that we got, the clean sheet, how we had to defend and a really tough period in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

"Probably if we hadn't got through that period and if they had scored then it would have been very tough for us."

Keeper David Stockdale was outstanding as Albion secured a second clean sheet at home in succession after beating Leeds last week.

Hughton said: "These are the type of games where goalkeepers have got to continue to make decisions, when to come and collect, when to punch, and a poor decision can cost. I thought he made some really good decisions."

Stephens, making the latest in a series of substitute appearances after ten months out with ankle trouble, scored within minutes of replacing Joao Teixeira.

Hughton said: "We needed some fresh legs in there. We know Dale can play in a more advanced position and he showed in the half-an-hour that he was on that he was raring to go.

"He showed really good energy. We just need it in that position. Joao has done great for us but at that stage it was not the ideal type of game for Joao."