Brighton cruised to the top of the Sky Bet Championship with a 3-0 home win over 10-man QPR on Tuesday.

Aiming to capitalise on Newcastle's surprise slip-up on Boxing Day, Sam Baldock struck a stunning opener for the Seagulls early on at the Amex before Glenn Murray, from the penalty spot, and Anthony Knockaert added two more after the break.

QPR, who saw captain Nedum Onuoha sent off in the second half at 2-0 down, have now lost six games in a row under Ian Holloway and remain 20th, just three points above the drop zone.

Brighton - now two points clear at the summit - started on top and took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock thanks to a fine solo effort by Baldock. The striker picked the ball up off Dale Stephens 30 yards from goal and took a touch to beat Onuoha before firing in an unstoppable strike from the edge of the area.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It should have been two for the hosts after 27 minutes, but Murray, usually so clinical at the Amex, could only steer a header wide from close range after a corner had been turned back into his path by Shane Duffy.

It was not to be all Brighton's half, though, as QPR created several clear opportunities of their own. David Stockdale had to be on top form in goal on two occasions to deny Massimo Luongo and Idrissa Sylla, but the away side were looking every bit a team who hadn't found the back of the net since the first day of December.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The game was still in the balance heading into the second half, but it became a procession for the home side soon afterwards. After 53 minutes Luongo brought Stephens down just inside the area, and Murray was on hand to slot home the resulting penalty.

And just three minutes later QPR were down to 10 men, perhaps slightly unfortunately, as Onuoha tussled with Baldock before appearing to bring him down. There was very little in it, but the QPR captain was the last man, and referee Keith Stroud felt he had no choice but to brandish a red. 

With the game effectively over, Knockaert put the icing on the cake with a fine low finish after 69 minutes, before paying a touching tribute to his late father by running over to the sidelines and holding up a framed picture of him. 

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brighton saw the victory out with few problems, and head into their next game at home to Cardiff in three days' time two points ahead of their closest rivals, and eight clear of Reading in third.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

New customer winter madness offer: save over 40% on your Sky Sports Month Pass, just £20