Brighton midfielder Steve Sidwell scores wondergoal from the centre circle against Bristol City

STEVE SIDWELL has made himself an early favourite for the Championship's goal of the season award.

The 33-year-old scored an unbelievable lob from the halfway line against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Seeing Robins goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell off his line, the Brighton midfielder let fly to score a fantastic goal on 13 minutes and give the Seagulls the lead.

Jamie Murphy then struck seven minutes later to make it 2-0.

Brighton are currently 2nd in the league and a win at Bristol City in today's late kick off would put them 5 points clear of 3rd place Huddersfield.

Already the goal is being compared to wonderstrikes from the likes of Xabi Alonso and Charlie Adam in years gone by.

Sidwell's team-mate Anthony Knockaert is in France following his dad's death two days ago and posted messages of support to the club on Twitter.

And Brighton's players dedicated Sidwell's goal to the former Leicester man by holding up his number 11 shirt.

After seeing his dad die in his arms, he wrote: "Because your dream was to see me in Premier League, I promise you daddy we will do it this season for you !!!! LOVE YOU."