Caltex Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan has kept his second clean sheet of the Premier League season to inspire Brighton to a valuable 1-0 win over Newcastle United overnight.
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The Aussie gloveman was faultless in everything he did to ensure Brighton picked up just their second win of the EPL campaign.
Ryan was called into action early at the Amex Stadium, pulling off a superb reflex save in just the second minute to deny the Magpies’ Mikel Merino.
In all, Ryan made five saves for the match, while his distribution was again outstanding.
Brighton carved out the better chances but had to wait until early into the second half to find the breakthrough.
Pascal Gross’s free-kick from the left was headed back across goal by Dale Stephens and Tomer Hemed hooked a close-range shot into the roof of the net.
The Magpies pushed hard to find an equaliser late on but Ryan and Brighton’s defence held firm.
The result sees Brighton jump up to 13th on the EPL ladder after six matches.
Their next assignment is a trip to the Emirates Stadium in London to face Arsenal next Sunday night (AEST).
Ryan will then head into camp with the Caltex Socceroos for the make-or-break FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff matches against Syria.
