Brighton and Hove Albion v Torquay United, 02 September 2000

After a terrible August when Albion lost three out of four league games, Brighton got their promotion ambitions back on track with a sound drubbing of their south coast rivals. Only five days after being booed off the Withdean pitch for a dire display against Kidderminster, Torquay suffered a severe backlash. In the contest of the Seagulls and ther Gulls, it was Brighton who got off to a flyer when young goal ace Bobby Zamora set out on his way to his second hat-trick for his new club. The 19 year-old striker made it 11 in 12 League starts with two bullet headers then a confident left foot strike from 12 yards. Another new Seagull got in on the act to announce his arrival. Left wing back Nathan Jones struck twice. His first goals for the Sussex club came via a cross shot from a tight angle, then a powerful header from the penalty spot distance. It was Gary Hart who made up the half dozen when he stabbed home Kerry Mayo's long throw. Brighton took it easy after going three up in half an hour. It allowed Torquay to sneak in for their double. Kevin Parker saw his left foot shot go past Mark Cartwright. Frenchman Jules Mendy then wriggled past two challenges before netting with his right foot. Both were first Gull goals but were of little consolation. To make matters worse, they had big Jimmy Aggrey sent-off for violent conduct. He had also been booked in each of his three previous 2000-01 Div Three appearances.