6 points From 6

Last updated : 01 April 2002 By Bob Gear

Match Report from Sports.com

Lee Steele kept Brighton on course for automatic promotion with a stoppage-time winner when the substitute headed home his tenth goal of the season from a Gary Hart cross. Brighton had goalkeeper

Michels Kuipers to thank for maintaining their formidable home record. The former Bristol Rovers reserve made a string of saves to keep City at bay.

In the first half alone, Kuipers kept out shots from Scott Murray, Brian Tinnion and Tom Doherty. Brighton went ahead against the run of play after 40 minutes when Junior Lewis glanced in a header from a Paul Watson free-kick.

City's efforts were rewarded after 52 minutes when Tinnion's deep cross was headed back across the face of goal by Murray for Doherty to slot in from point-blank range. Kuipers' super show continued as he kept out a fierce effort from Christian Roberts, making his debut for City following a move from Exeter.

Kuipers was on hand again with a minute of normal time remaining to stop a snapshot from substitute Aaron Brown. His saves were made all the more valuable as Steele, with City appealing for offside, steered a header past Mike Stowell.

Brighton boss Peter Taylor said: "It was a fantastic result and finish. It was very tight and tense, although there were a lot of opportunities for both teams. "Michels pulled off some magnificent saves. They had two outstanding chances when he was first class. It was a great header by Lee at the end. It was very close whether or not he was offside, but you win some and lose some over the season and thankfully we won this one."

Bristol boss Danny Wilson said: "The goalkeeper was outstanding for Brighton. You have certain days when you feel you are not going to get past the goalkeeper and this was one of those. We have got three games to go and we won't give up."

Kuipers said: " Bristol City are a very good side and they performed really well, but to win 2-1 was absolutely fantastic.The shots just kept flying at me. We defended really well but they still had some opportunities."