Leeds 1-1 Brighton

Brian Deane was booked for this challenge on Brighton's new keeper David Yelldell

Brighton's Guy Butters spoiled the start of Ken Bates' reign in charge of Leeds United with a late equaliser.

Butters grabbed an 81st-minute equaliser, flicking home Paul Reid's cross to leave them seven points adrift of the play-offs.

Leeds took the lead two minutes before half-time when Gylfi Einarsson flicked on David Healy's corner and Clarke Carlisle scored at the second attempt.

Brighton's Charlie Oatway was sent off after kicking out at Simon Walton.

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Leeds assistant boss Sam Ellis:

"We felt that we got ourselves in a position to win the game and it's disappointing that we didn't.

"It has happened on several occasions this season and it's something that we need to address. We should be able to win games.

"We had a great chance right after half-time and mentally it's hard to take at the present time."

Brighton boss Mark McGhee:

"To go through the whole of January undefeated - I would have taken that at the start of the month," he said.

"I think we deserved a point. I thought they edged the first half and were the better side, although we were still disappointed to go in a goal behind.

"Once we got going in the second half, and put Adam Virgo up front, we deserved our equaliser."

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Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Carlisle, Richardson, Walton (Bakke 88), Gregan, Einarsson, Lennon (Spring 78), Deane, Healy.
Subs Not Used: Harrison, Ricketts, Griffit.

Booked: Deane, Bakke.

Goals: Carlisle 43.

Brighton: Yelldell, Reid, Virgo, Hinshelwood, Butters, Mayo, Carpenter, Oatway, Harding (Jones 63), Knight (Nicolas 89), McCammon (Hart 51).
Subs Not Used: May, El-Abd.

Sent Off: Oatway (88).

Goals: Butters 81.

Att: 27,033.

Ref: M Thorpe (Suffolk).