Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has said that his side deserved to win their opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

A second-half goal from Kazenga Lua Lua was enough for Brighton to begin their campaign in positive fashion, and Hughton believes that they were full value for their victory against a side he considers to be one of the better teams in the division.

The 56-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It is a nice way in which to start the season. It was a typical Championship game, being fairly tight, but we deserved to win it.

"Kazenga is a winner and had a good all-round game. You want to see that from your wide players.

"I am happy with the performance in general. Forest are a good side, with pace in wide areas. They may have players out injured now, but with that 11 I can see them winning a lot of games this season."

Brighton will attempt to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to Fulham next weekend.