As minutes in his fledgling career go, Jack Hinshelwood will not have yet had a better 60 seconds than the one which ended with him as Brighton’s match-winning hero.

The teenage academy product’s big moment actually contained two vital contributions in quick succession, beginning with a goal-line clearance to save his side when Yoane Wissa’s shot flew towards the bottom corner.

Seconds later he found himself in the right place at the right time at the other end too when he rose highest to head in Pascal Gross’s cross.

In just his fifth appearance and his home debut it was a first goal for his boyhood club for local lad Hinshelwood who joined Brighton aged seven and comes from a family of professional footballers, including his uncle Martin who managed the club and dad Adam who also played for the Seagulls.

18-year-old local lad Jack Hinshelwood scored the winner for Brighton against Brentford

Talented youngster Hinshelwood managed to find the net with his first senior goal at the Amex

Pascal Gross was the first Seagulls scorer on the boad with his equaliser in the 31st minute 

Hinshelwood deservedly departed to a standing ovation on fairytale evening, with his name being sung around the ground and was announced as man of the match.

It was a big goal for Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton too, earning them a first home league win since September in a season which has seen their form and resources impacted by the added demands of European football.

De Zerbi said: ‘I said before he is like Pascal Gross’s son. He has personality, is very smart on the pitch can play fullback, midfielder – in every position. He is like an older player.’

Brighton dominated the first 25 minutes but had little to show for it before falling behind following Brentford’s first meaningful attack.

Vitaly Janelt’s burst into the box was halted by Jan Paul van Hecke’s desperate challenge as he fell and Bryan Mbeumo coolly converted the penalty, Ivan Toney style.

Five minute later a passing Brighton move was expertly finished off by Gross finding the bottom corner with a fine thumping strike from outside of the box.

Then an equally unwanted development then followed for Brentford when top scorer Mbeumo rolled his ankle and was eventually forced off.

Manager Thomas Frank said: ‘We will assess him tomorrow to know more about it.’

Twice Brighton went close to extending their lead early in the second half through Joao Pedro.

Equally, Brentford had two quick-fire efforts to level through former Brighton striker Neal Maupay and Wissa, who was possibly fortunate to avoid a red card for a late clash with Billy Gilmour.

The first was blocked by Igor and the second by Hinshelwood. And even better was quickly to follow from the Brighton youngster. 

Gross found the net as Brighton managed to pull themselves level against Brentford

Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after his goal put Brentford in the ascendancy against Brighton

However, elation turned to frustration for Mbeumo as he had to be substituted due to injury

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi guided his side to victory as they overcame Brentford