14’,
62’
26’
Aaron Connolly scored twice as Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed their place in the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-offs with a 5-1 victory against Stoke City.
Connolly (pictured) converted a George Cox cross on 14 minutes and it was 2-0 three minutes later at the Checkatrade.com Stadium courtesy of Henrik Bjordal.
Daniel Mandroiu gave the hosts a three-goal advantage when he curled a free-kick over the wall and into the bottom corner on 27 minutes.
Stoke pulled a goal back shortly after half-time, when Saido Berahino scored, but Connolly netted his second with a fine volley. Viktor Gyokeres made it 5-1.
Brighton are third, ahead of Middlesbrough by a superior goal difference of 10, and they are guaranteed to play Boro in the play-off semi-finals as neither team can finish second or fifth.
If Brighton finish above Boro by matching of bettering their result on the final day they will secure the home advantage in their semi-final, which is a one-off match.
Stoke are in 10th position.
See: Brighton report | Stoke report
Next fixtures
Brighton: 23 Apr v Wolves (A) PL2
Stoke: 23 Apr v Reading (A) PL2
