Charlton's Championship relegation fears increased after a 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.

An early goal put them in trouble with on-loan Manchester United player Jesse Lingard easing past Michael Morrison to open the scoring after 11 minutes.

The visitors, now just a point above the relegation zone in 21st place, went close to an equaliser when Reza Ghoochannejhad's deflected strike hit the bar.

But having threatened at one end, the Addicks found themselves two down a minute before the break as Leonardo Ulloa finished Lingard's pass.

Charlton keeper Ben Hamer saved well from Kazenga LuaLua and Lingard before the Seagulls made sure of victory through Jake Forster-Caskey's injury-time strike after collecting a pass from Stephen Ward.

Addicks boss Jose Riga admitted Brighton were the better side.

He said: "We must face with reality. We had an opponent on another level and we had to hope that with good organisation collectively, we could take points. We did not, so we have to focus on the next one."

Charlton will move four points clear of the drop zone if they beat fellow strugglers Barnsley at home tomorrow night (Tuesday).