Burnley moved to within five points of the play-offs after a 1-0 win over nine-man Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
Brighton made the worse possible start to the match, losing two players to red cards inside the opening 12 minutes.
First Romain Vincelot was dismissed for dissent, before Ashley Barnes saw red for violent conduct after a poor tackle on Chris McCann.
The opening period got worse for the home side after 32 minutes when Kieran Trippier broke the deadlock with a cool finish from outside the area.
The supporters attempted to lift the nine men in the second period but it was Burnley who continued to look the most likely.
Jay Rodriquez almost made it 2-0 after 58 minutes, but his shot from close range produced a smart save from Casper Ankergren.
For all the away side's play, however, Brighton could have secured a point when Craig Mackail-Smith had an effort after 82 minutes, but it drifted wide.
Brighton will look to return to winning ways when they face Reading on Boxing Day, while Burnley host Doncaster.
Matt Law
