Striker Bobby Zamora was sent off for violent conduct and must serve a three match ban as the promotion race hots up. Zamora, who is Divison Two's top scorer, was left on the bench after telling boss Peter Taylor he was absolutely shattered in midweek.
He came on in the 56th minute to huge cheers from the away fans and hit the crossbar before seeing red when he kicked out at Oldham left-back Chris Armstrong. Peter Taylor said, "Bobby got very frustrated because he was body checked by a player who wasn't trying to win the ball and didn't get a free-kick for it.
"I have spoken to the referee and told him that officials should see why a player would do something like that. I have no complaints about him being sent off but I can understand why he did it and there were a few things happening off the ball which weren't seen."
"Bobby came to me on Tuesday and said he was absolutely shattered so this was our only chance to give him a rest as we have a big game against Reading on Monday. He isn't just a penalty box player. He works everywhere on the pitch for the benefit of the team."
Oldham picked up their tenth home win of the season with goals from central midfielder Matty Appleby, who is due to make his loan move from Barnsley permanent, and veteran top scorer David Eyres. They are in the thick of the promotion race and coach Mick Wadsworth described the victory as a huge one.
Wadsworth said, "In football terms, it wasn't the best of games but that was due to the windy conditions. This was a very big result for us because Brighton are a good team and we need to keep winning to stay in the hunt for the play-offs."
"There were three incidents which went our way. Firstly our keeper Paul Rachubka made a great save from a chance you would expect Brighton to score from. Secondly, having Bobby Zamora sent off gave us a big advantage and he would usually have put away the chance which hit the bar. Finally, our second goal killed it off and it was a wonderful strike from David Eyres who has a great left foot."
There were few chances in a tense affair and Oldham went in front on the half hour with their first shot on target. Eyres delivered a corner from the right and Appleby slammed it in with an 18-yard volley.
Paul Rogers missed a chance for Brighton and Zamora hit the bar with a header before Paul Brooker was denied by a fine save. Junior Lewis also came on as a Sustitute to make his debut for the Albion.
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Eyres struck the second after 81 minutes with a rocket free-kick from 20 yards high into the top corner, shortly after Bobby Z departed after seeing red and it was game over.
The result leaves us second in the table, with Stoke playing in the potteries derby tomorrow. Reading won once again to widen the gap between the top 2 to 7 points. We have a game in hand, and still have to play Reading twice, the first of those games on Monday Night at Withdean.