Poyet was appointed Brighton manager in November 2009

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet says he is proud that his side have topped League One for six months.

The Seagulls went top in late September and currently have a 10-point lead over second-placed Huddersfield.

Poyet told BBC Sussex: "We thought it would be a possibility to be up there, but we've done better than expected.

"The players have been strong mentally and have been fighting for each other. They've been an excellent group. It's a great achievement."

Albion's defence has been a key part of their success this season, conceding 26 goals in their 36 league games and keeping 18 clean sheets in the process.

Centre-back and club captain Gordon Greer added: "It's fantastic. We've worked hard in keeping clean sheets.

"It helps us to stay in the game longer. It's credit to all the players, not just the back four. We defend from the front.

"It's good to have people talk about our good play, but it's great we can grind out results."

It's a great achievement - you have to be proud of the team Gus Poyet

The Sussex side are currently on a six-match winning streak, but four of those victories have been by a 1-0 scoreline.

"The teams that are coming to play against us are coming prepared in a better way than they were at the start of the season," Poyet continued.

"They've been thinking how they are going to stop us so it's getting harder and harder."

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