Brighton 1-1 Ipswich: Seagulls miss chance to go top

Brighton's run of six successive home league wins was ended as Ipswich followed their victory over Aston Villa with a battling 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls would have gone top of the Championship with victory, with Newcastle drawing 2-2 at Norwich, and second-placed Albion had to come from behind to claim a point after skipper Luke Chambers headed Town into an early lead.

Israel striker Tomer Hemed levelled from the penalty spot on 30 minutes but Brighton struggled to find top form before a crowd of 26,360. Albion, beaten only once at home this term, now hold a four-point lead over third-placed Huddersfield, who beat Rotherham.

Ipswich, forced into two changes at the back with Steven Taylor and Christophe Berra ruled out through injury, had a scare in only the second minute.

Left wing-back Myles Kenlock, making only his sixth Championship appearance, collected an early booking for bringing down Solly March and Anthony Knockaert's free-kick was dropped by goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski for Dale Stephens to head over.

Ipswich temporarily lost on-loan Emyr Huws with a gashed head before taking the lead in the ninth minute through Chambers.

Striker Tom Lawrence curled in a delightful free-kick and Chambers got in behind Shane Duffy to head his third of the season, collecting a heavy knock in colliding with keeper David Stockdale in the process.

Seagulls winger Knockaert, who laid on two of the goals in Albion's 4-1 home win over Burton last Saturday, had a left-footed effort saved by Bialkowski before the hosts equalised through Hemed on the half hour.

Referee Roger East gave the spot-kick on the say so of his assistant after skipper Bruno had his shirt tugged by Huws, and Hemed stroked his second successive penalty and 12th goal of the season.

Brighton keeper Stockdale came to his side's rescue shortly after by blocking a goal-bound half volley from David McGoldrick from 12 yards.

Stockdale also did well moments after the interval by keeping out a shot from Lawrence with his feet in front of the Ipswich supporters, following a slip by March.

Brighton lived dangerously again when Lawrence swung in a free-kick and Chambers put a left-footed shot against the base of the post before Albion's Steve Sidwell cleared for a corner.

Seagulls winger March, making only his fourth Championship appearance after a year out with knee trouble, ended a fine run with a left-footed strike which flew wide.

Albion had a penalty appeal waved away when Jordan Spence appeared to clip March before Town keeper Bialkowski saved superbly from Sam Baldock.

Seagulls manager Chris Hughton attempted to freshen up his strike force by introducing Glenn Murray and Jamie Murphy, and the latter had a dangerous left-footed cross cut out by Bialkowski.

Murray almost snatched victory for Brighton in stoppage time when he turned and fired against the inside of the post with Knockaert putting the rebound over.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton:

"We certainly didn't play at the level we know we can. Ipswich are a a good side but by the time we got the equaliser we deserved it.

"Our levels were not as good as they have been. It became probably too open a game in the second half. It certainly feels like two points dropped.

"On other days we would have got the win. We are in a very good position in the league and deserve to be there. It is incredibly difficult to go through the season without difficult periods.

"Occasionally you get a team blowing everyone away. Newcastle are the biggest spenders but they have not got away from everyone else by massive margins."

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy:

"I'm immensely proud of them. It wasn't a backs-to-the wall display - their keeper kept them in the game.

"Brighton passed and moved it and we had to defend. We are quite clearly on an upward curve and let's hope it continues.

"The new players have come to help. They have made a difference to the shape of the team."