Four goals in an incredible first half proved more than enough for Plymouth as they cruised to a 5-1 win against fellow strugglers Brighton.

The two sides had never been involved in a 0-0 draw at Home Park and again that result was ruled out as Nick Chadwick, David Norris, a brace from Paul Wotton and a late strike from Scott Taylor ensured the Pilgrims secured all three points and went level on points with their opponents in the league table.

Charlie Oatway grabbed the only goal for the Seagulls as they were completed outplayed.

However, the visitors almost got off to the perfect start after forcing the ball home with only five minutes gone. Guy Butters rose well to head home a free-kick from Peter Gilbert but the goal was ruled out due to a dubious offside decision.

The visitors looked stunned and were still remonstrating with the officials when the Pilgrims forged into the lead after eight minutes.

Dexter Blackstock sent through an excellent pass from the inside left channel, offering Chadwick the chance to slot home on the run, which the ex-Everton man duly accepted.

But barely before their home crowd had retaken their seats, the Seagulls were back on terms. Richard Carpenter sent over a free-kick from the left that an un-marked Oatway nodded past Luke McCormick.

Incredibly though, only three more minutes passed before the hosts were back in the lead.

Brighton defender Adam Hinshelwood handballed in the area, presenting Wotton with a chance from the spot.

And the Pilgrims midfielder made no mistake, slamming home a piledriver that offered Rami Shaaban no chance.

Every meaningful attack seemed to be resulting in a goal and so it proved again when the Pilgrims moved 3-1 up after 19 minutes.

The impressive Wotton was again the man for the hosts, finding room 18 yards out and letting fly with another superb drive that flew into the top corner before Norris added a fourth with another fine strike after 35 minutes to cap an incredible first half.

The second period started at a much more sedate pace, with Plymouth seemingly happy to sit back on their lead - much to the annoyance of the home crowd.

Wotton sent in a powerful free-kick in the opening stages that blazed over before Daniel Harding chanced his arm from range but never troubled McCormick.

Plymouth boss Bobby Williamson continued to urge his side on from the sidelines, seemingly annoyed with their lack of attacking intent.

But before the Pilgrims could respond to their manager's instructions, the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Defender Richard Carpenter reacted angrily when Chadwick ran to stop him taking a free-kick quickly, pushing the Pilgrims player to the floor and earning a straight red card for his troubles.

The Pilgrims looked happy however to sit back and not take advantage of their superior numbers.

However, Taylor did add a fifth late-on, latching onto a Micky Evans pass.

Teams:

Plymouth McCormick, Connolly, Coughlan, Aljofree, Gilbert, Norris, Gudjonsson, Wotton, Capaldi (Lasley 89), Blackstock (Evans 45), Chadwick (Taylor 79).

Subs Not Used: Worrell, Doumbe.

Booked: Wotton.

Goals: Chadwick 8, Wotton 13 pen, 21, Norris 36, Taylor 88.

Brighton Shaaban, Reid, Hinshelwood, Butters, Mayo, Oatway, Nicolas (McPhee 55), Carpenter, Harding (Hammond 85), Hart, Knight.

Subs Not Used: Watson, El-Abd, May.

Sent Off: Carpenter (68).

Booked: Knight.

Goals: Oatway 11.

Att: 15,606

Ref: P Crossley (Kent).