Brighton & Hove Albion 3 Leeds United 3: Battling Leeds hit back to snatch equaliser

By full-time, however, it was the visitors from Leeds who were looking green around the gills after throwing away a two-goal lead in spectacular fashion.

Okay, Simon Grayson’s side rescued a point with a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time by Ross McCormack.

But that should not be allowed to disguise the glaring defensive deficiencies that, once again, proved their undoing.

In 11 league and cup outings this season, Leeds have conceded 21 goals – a ridiculous tally and one that is likely to make a concerted push for promotion nigh on impossible should it not improve soon.

The gaping holes that were evident in United’s defence last season have plainly not been plugged, despite the signing of a quality goalkeeper in Andy Lonergan.

These deficiencies were why Brighton were able to hit back from being two goals down to come within two minutes of claiming a win that would have put them top of the table – a prospect that looked highly unlikely at the break.

Leigh Bromby, in particular, had a bad evening with the former Sheffield United defender being badly at fault for Brighton’s two opening goals.

First, he was caught out of position as an unmarked Craig Mackail-Smith latched on to a deft pass by Ashley Barnes before drilling a low shot past Lonergan.

Then, just before the hour, Bromby was guilty of a reckless challenge on Mackail-Smith that left the big money summer signing from Peterborough United in a crumpled heap and referee Lee Probert pointing to the spot.

Barnes stepped up to send Lonergan the wrong way and ensure a first away win of the season still eludes Leeds.

With Albion now having the momentum, they went ahead eight minutes from time when Mackail-Smnith tapped in from close range after being picked out by Barnes.

That seemed to be that, only for McCormack to net in the 92nd minute to ensure the 2,200 United fans were at least able to celebrate their side claiming a point.

It meant there was also some reward for what had been a hugely impressive first-half display by United, whose free-flowing approach penned Brighton back in their own territory for long periods.

Keogh, preferred to Luciano Becchio despite the Argentinian’s game-changing impact against Crystal Palace and Bristol City recently, was the first to capitalise on United’s dominance in the 18th minute.

In seven previous appearances, the on-loan Wolves striker had seemed unable to combine an impressive work-rate with a predatory instinct.

Bad misses against Bristol City and West Ham United, in particular, suggested Keogh was not going to be the answer as to who will supply the goals should Becchio fail to repeat last season’s goal heroics.

Last night, though, he made no mistake when presented with an opening eight yards out after the Seagulls defence had failed miserably to clear the danger following a darting run down the left by Aidy White.

Keogh was also involved in Leeds’s second goal four minutes later, the Republic of Ireland striker chasing a long ball forward from Adam Clayton into the corner before pinching the ball off the Brighton defence.

He then rolled a pass back to Robert Snodgrass, who in turn found Ross McCormack just outside the Albion penalty area.

What happened next is bound to make the Scot a contender for any ‘Goal of the Month’ awards as he spun quickly before unleashing an unstoppable right-foot shot past former Leeds United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren.

Brighton regained a foothold in the game two minutes after the restart through Mackail-Smith’s fine finish.

The comeback was on and Albion drew level just before the hour when Bromby clattered into the back of Mackail-Smith.

Referee Probert had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Barnes duly sent Lonergan the wrong way with a fiercely struck shot.

Now firmly on the back foot, Leeds struggled and seemed destined for a miserable first trip to the American Express Community Stadium when Mackail-Smith netted from close range.

That was, however, until McCormack swooped to fire past Ankergren from close range after being picked out by midfielder Jonny Howson.

As the sponsors of the Football League’s newest stadium used to say in their adverts, McCormack’s ninth goal in ten appearances really was a case of: That’ll do nicely, sir.

In truth, though, Leeds should never have been in the position of having to save the game so late and surely their next move into the transfer market has to be a reliable and commanding stopper who can also organise what is a ridiculously porous backline.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Ankergren; Calderon, Painter, Dunk, Greer; Noone (Vicente 46), Dicker, Bridcutt, LuaLua (Hoskins 87); Barnes; Mackail-Smith (Vincelot 89). Unused substitutes: Hoskins, Brezovan, Navarro.

Leeds United: Lonergan; Lees, Bromby, O’Dea, White; Snodgrass (Forssell 87), Howson, Clayton, Pugh (Vayrynen 81); Keogh (Becchio 68), McCormack. Unused substitutes: Rachubka, Kisnorbo, Forssell.

Referee: L Probert (Wiltshire).