Caltex Socceroos gloveman Mat Ryan has produced a man-of-the-match performance as Brighton held high-flying Burnley to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League overnight.
Ryan produced a string of fine saves at the AMEX Stadium, including a fine double save in the second half to keep out Scott Arfield.
Brighton dominated the first half, with Anthony Knockaert hitting the post, while striker Glenn Murray missed a penalty when he skied his effort over the bar.
But the hosts needed Ryan at his best to keep scores level before the break, getting down low to his left to keep out Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s powerful drive.
The former Hyundai A-League star was even better in the second half, denying Kiwi international Chris Wood on a couple of occasions.
The best stop came when Wood beat the offside trap to spring through on goal, but Ryan stood tall to keep the Burnley striker’s dinked effort out with his face.
The shutout means Ryan has now kept six cleansheets from 18 EPL games so far this season.
While Brighton have now gone seven games without a win in the Premier League, they sit comfortably above the relegation zone in 13th spot.
Chris Hughton’s next host Watford in the EPL next weekend.