Brighton secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris in their UEFA Conference League group stage match, extending their winning streak to five consecutive games across all competitions. The match, held at Brighton’s home ground on Thursday, saw French forward Georginio Rutter score twice, with Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also contributing goals.

Brighton’s success came as a welcome boost for Hinshelwood, returning to full fitness after an ankle ligament injury. The defender expressed his satisfaction at rejoining the squad during a successful run of form. “It’s nice to just be back with the boys. They have been on such a good run, and I have really missed fighting for this badge, which I love doing,” Hinshelwood said. He added that the team showed patience throughout the match, which was reflected in their dominant performance.

The opening stages featured Hinshelwood nearly scoring from a Pascal Gross cross, only for Kauno Žalgiris goalkeeper Joris Aliukonis to tip the ball over the bar. However, Rutter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a precise low shot. Moments before halftime, Hinshelwood doubled Brighton’s lead, slotting the ball into the net to give the hosts a comfortable advantage going into the break.

In the second half, Brighton continued to apply pressure. Midfielder Ibrahim Osman provided the assist for Rutter’s second goal, with the forward finishing confidently to make it 3-0. Later, substitute Younes Ibrahim, an 18-year-old making his professional debut, created the chance for O’Riley to head home the fourth goal in the 67th minute, after the midfielder had earlier struck the post.

The win reinforces Brighton’s strong start to the Conference League campaign under manager Fabian Hurzeler, with the team capitalizing on a motivating pre-match atmosphere. Fans were energized by a display featuring local DJ Norman Cook—better known as Fatboy Slim—whose iconic track “Right Here, Right Now” accompanied the build-up and set the tone for the match.

Brighton will look to maintain their momentum in upcoming fixtures as they pursue progress in the tournament and continue their competitive run across domestic and European competitions.