Brighton & Hove Albion cruised past Burnley at The Amex, with goals from Andrew Crofts and Leonardo Ulloa giving Oscar Garcia's side a 2-0 victory.

Brighton were able to put together the first chance of the game when Ulloa was given sight of goal, but he dragged his shot wide.

Ulloa could have been in with a chance again soon after, but an in-swinging ball from the right by Kemy Agustien was just a yard too deep for the striker.

Garcia's men continued to add pressure on Burnley and a run from Will Buckley down the right won a free kick that was delivered by David Lopez, leaving Crofts to head over from close range.

Brighton finally took the lead after perseverance from Ulloa allowed him to rob Kevin Long. The striker then squared for Crofts, who was able to finish powerfully.

Burnley fought their way back into the game late on in the first half, and it took two separate clearances from striker Ulloa to prevent Sean Dyche's men from creating dangerous opportunities.

Last week's hero Keith Treacy then broke into the Brighton box, but he was closely followed by Stephen Ward and Matthew Upson, who were able to push the midfielder wide, leaving him with the only option but to shoot across goal and wide.

A clever exchange between Brighton's Rohan Ince and Agustien allowed the newly-signed midfielder to get behind the defence, but he was not able to test Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Controversy then ensued as Buckley got in behind the defence again only to be brought down by goalkeeper and last man Heaton – who was only given a yellow card – leaving staff on Garcia's bench furious. Lopez stepped up to take the free kick but his effort went wide.

Burnley's Treacy had another go soon after half time, cutting in from the right and seeking out the top corner with a curling effort that flew wide.

Those Brighton fans left enraged by the referee's decision to only book Heaton in the first half were soon dancing in the stands when the Burnley keeper picked up a second yellow card for unsporting behaviour. Following the goalkeeper's dismissal, Burnley assistant manager Ian Woan was also sent from the dugout.

Brighton soon took advantage of their numerical superiority when Ulloa rose to head home from a Buckley cross to put Albion 2-0 ahead, before his side comfortably saw out victory in the closing stages.