Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton has admitted that he has bittersweet feelings about his side's 4-3 win over Birmingham City on Saturday.

Braces from Joao Teixeira and Inigo Calderon guided the Seagulls to victory, but Hughton's men were forced to hold out late in the game as a strike from Lee Novak gave the Blues hope of salvaging a point at the Amex Stadium.

The Brighton manager is adamant that his team need to improve at the back if they are to beat the drop this season.

Hughton told Sky Sports News: "To get four goals is very pleasing. I'm delighted with the four goals but at the same time a little frustrated. We should have made the game safer in the second half.

"We knew it would be tough as Birmingham were going for it. The goals we gave away were poor and we need to do better.

"They are good group of lads but our form has been up and down. We haven't won enough home games and we've drawn too many."

Brighton are now 20th in the Championship table, three points clear of the relegation zone.