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Sky Bet Championship: Sami Hyypia under pressure after Brighton lose to Millwall

Sami Hyypia and Ian Holloway
Image: Sami Hyypia (right): Under pressure

Sami Hyypia's future at Brighton is uncertain after a 1-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Millwall.

A section of the home fans called for the former Liverpool defender to be sacked after Lee Gregory's goal condemned Albion to a third straight defeat and left them floundering in the relegation zone.

And afterwards Hyypia admitted he is unsure whether he is willing to fight on as Seagulls boss.

"At the moment, straight after the game, I feel very frustrated," he said. "To answer that question I need some time. Usually I'm not a quitter, I'm a fighter.

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Man of the match Danny Shittu says Millwall need to keep fighting for results after their 1-0 victory over Brighton.

"I can understand the fans' reaction, I don't expect to be patted on the shoulder and told 'well done' with how things are going. I think that's normal, some of the fans are getting impatient and shout things, it doesn't help anyone but you can't control it.

"When you take this kind of job, I've always been prepared for everything, I'm not afraid of anything happening. When you take this job sometimes it doesn't go your way, but in my mind I'm ready for it.".

Brighton's attack was led by former England striker Darren Bent, but it was former Halifax striker Gregory who settled the match with his fourth goal of the season.

His 15th-minute strike provided a much-needed boost to Hyypia's opposite number Ian Holloway, whose side arrived on the south coast on the back of one win in 15 matches.

Scott Malone's low cross was only cleared to the edge of the area, from where Gregory played in Magaye Gueye and continued his run into the box.

French forward Gueye went for goal himself but his mishit shot became the perfect return pass to Gregory who lifted over Brighton keeper David Stockdale and into the net.

Albion huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but Solly March sliced their best chance wide.

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Ian Holloway felt his side deserved to beat Brighton 1-0 and said Millwall are now looking to climb the league.

Holloway, whose side were thumped 5-1 at home by Middlesbrough last weekend, beamed: "It was a magnificent performance, what a comeback from us after Saturday.

"I thought we played really well and deserved the points. Once we got in front we proved we can defend. Now it's onwards and upwards, let's see if we can get two in a row.

"My team have done me proud since I've been here, let's keep building and try to get up the other end of the table.

"Gregory has been a revelation, he's the best £250,000 I ever spent."

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