Joao double secures victory for Brighton
Liverpool loanee Joao Carlos Teixeira scored twice on Wednesday night as he inspired Brighton & Hove Albion to a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in their Championship clash at the Amex Stadium.
The Portuguese midfielder played a pivotal role and scored for the first time since September as the Seagulls secured their first victory on home turf under Chris Hughton, who was appointed as manager in December.
They took the lead in the clash through Sam Baldock - but Ipswich, who had the chance to climb from third to first place in the league table with a victory in the tie, struck back shortly after as Daryl Murphy levelled proceedings.
Teixeira then intervened with a brace in the space of seven minutes, taking on several players to net his first via a deflection, before drilling low into the corner in stoppage time at the end of the first half to hand Brighton a 3-1 advantage.
Ipswich reduced the deficit late on through Freddie Sears; however, Teixeira's brace ultimately proved decisive and helped lift Hughton's side above Leeds United to 19th place in the Championship.
Teixeira, who arrived on Merseyside from Sporting CP three years ago, clinched his debut for the Liverpool first team during the victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage in February 2014.