NEWCASTLE, England, Oct 19 (Reuters) – Danny Welbeck’s first-half goal against the run of play gave Brighton & Hove Albion a 1-0 win at Newcastle United on Saturday, a result that extended the home team’s winning streak to four in the Premier League -Play extended games.

With striker Alexander Isak back after a break due to a toe injury, Newcastle dominated the early exchanges but struggled to convert their plentiful possession into shots on goal in the first half and Welbeck was more than happy to pay for it.

In the 33rd minute Isak came free, only the goalkeeper could be beaten, but Bart Verbruggen was able to block his shot on goal with his body. Less than two minutes later, Welbeck showed him and the rest of the Newcastle attack how it should be done by forcing his way into the penalty area, slotting the ball past Nick Pope and giving Brighton the lead.

Anthony Gordon almost equalized for the home side in the 41st minute with an angled shot, but again Verbruggen was aware of the danger and pushed the ball away, and the body language of the Newcastle players began to suggest that this was not the case would be her day.

After just two shots on target in the first half, the Magpies’ accuracy improved in the second half, but the shots they did manage lacked power and precision, while Brighton looked dangerous every time they crossed the halfway line.

A lengthy interruption due to an injury to Welbeck, who was eventually carried off the field on a stretcher, resulted in a nine-minute extra time at the end of the second half and although Dan Burn eventually put the ball into the Brighton net, he made it clearly offside and the goal was canceled.

The Seagulls, who wasted a number of good chances to add to their tally, held on for a win that moved them up to fifth in the table with 15 points, while Newcastle remain in eighth place with 12 points.

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was delighted with the win, but there was a touch of regret at Welbeck’s withdrawal from the game.

“I’m sad to see him go, he’s been in top form this season. Hopefully it’s not a serious injury and he’ll be back soon. He scored his goal mercilessly,” he told the BBC.

“He’s one of the top professionals at this football club and a big key to our success… hopefully his injury isn’t too serious and we’ll let him fight to get fit.” (Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Clare Fallon and Pritha Sarkar)