Brighton beat Kauno Zalgiris 4-0 as strong run continues

Brighton’s 4-0 Conference League win over Kauno Zalgiris on Thursday extended a strong run under manager Fabian Hurzeler, with Georginio Rutter scoring twice and Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also finding the net. The result came three days before Brighton were scheduled to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League derby at the Amex Stadium. The win gave Hurzeler opportunities to rotate his squad, and Hinshelwood scored on his return from an ankle injury. Rutter, who had recently lost his place in the starting lineup, scored Brighton’s first and third goals. Matt O’Riley completed the scoring, while Ibrahim Osman assisted twice. Hurzeler said players had taken their chances and that squad members stepping up would help the team rely on one another over the season. He also urged Rutter to maintain high standards in training, saying preparation would be reflected in performances on match days. The Conference League result followed Brighton’s improvement after a difficult spell last season. In February, the club lost 1-0 at home to Palace, leaving it 14th in the Premier League after one win in 12 league matches. Brighton then won seven of their next 11 league games and...