Leeds dominated the opening exchanges while Albion’s 3-5-2 formation looked shaky.

Aaron Lennon’s skilful dribble left Guy Butters stranded, but Brian Deane was unable to provide the delicate touch required to score. Meanwhile, Leon Knight and Mark McCammon were isolated up front for Albion.

It took two cracks of the nut to break the visitors’ defence, but Clarke Carlisle picked up David Healy’s corner on 43 minutes and fired in a volley that was returned to him and which he gratefully converted. Leeds almost scored after the restart but Butters’ blocking tackle kept out Gylfi Einarsson’s effort.

Daniel Harding had been pushed up to provide extra attacking momentum for the visitors and when Gary Hart replaced McCammon, their options increased.

A 57th-minute run down the right wing from Hart ended in a twisting shot that Sullivan parried. Then Harding set up Knight to drive inches past the post. Brighton refused to lay down, but the mystery concerned Leeds’ lack of a killer instinct.

Kelly tried to provide it down the right, but Einarsson’s volley was tipped over the bar by David Yelldell. Brighton were undaunted. Hart’s arrival had provided vital back-up to Knight’s selfless running and the Yorkshiremen began to look static at the back.

Ten minutes from time, Paul Reid’s cute ball into the area found Butters’ head just in front of the penalty spot and the Seagulls had the equaliser they deserved.

Charlie Oatway was shown the red card two minutes from time and Eirik Bakke was brought on after a nine-month absence to exploit the man advantage, but Albion held solid at the back.

STAR MAN: Leon Knight (Brighton)

Player ratings. Leeds United: Sullivan 6, Kelly 7, Carlisle 6, Butler 6, Gregan 7, Healy 6, Richardson 6, Einarsson 7, Walton 6 (87min, Bakke 6), Lennon 7 (78min, Spring 6) Deane 6 Brighton: Yelldell 8, Mayo 6, Knight 8 (88min, Nicolas 6), Oatway 7, Carpenter 7, Butters 7, Reid 7, Virgo 6, Hinshelwood 7, McCammon 5 (51min, Hart 7), Harding 7 (64min, Jones 6) Scorers: Leeds United: Carlisle 43

Brighton: Butters 80

Referee: M Thorpe

Attendance: 27,033

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