A late comeback earned Brighton a precious victory in their relegation battle against Gillingham. Goals in the last 12 minutes by Richard Carpenter against his old club and Adam Virgo lifted the Seagulls seven points clear of the Gills.
Referee Alan Lee Probert had several looks at the frosty Withdean pitch before deciding the game could go ahead.
Brighton adapted better to the conditions early on as Paul Gallacher, on-loan to Gillingham from Norwich made saves from Mark McCammon and Adam Virgo.
Gillingham took the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute. Nicky Southall's hanging cross from the right flank was met by the unchallenged Andrew Crofts with a header into the roof of the net, the Welsh youth international's first ever goal.
Crofts could have scored again a minute later but he did not connect properly with a cross from John Hills.
Gillingham looked comfortable in the second half as Brighton struggled to create chances.
Charlie Oatway slotted a good chance to equalise into the sidenetting before Carpenter came up trumps with his first goal of the season. Oatway's cross was headed out by Alan Pouton to Carpenter, who scored with a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Brighton surged forward in search of a late winner and Paul Gallacher made a fine save from McCammon's downward header.
Gillingham looked like holding on for a point until Virgo pounced with two minutes left , poking the ball in from close range after McCammon headed on a long throw by Kerry Mayo.
Referee Alan Lee Probert had several looks at the frosty Withdean pitch before deciding the game could go ahead.
Brighton adapted better to the conditions early on as Paul Gallacher, on-loan to Gillingham from Norwich made saves from Mark McCammon and Adam Virgo.
Gillingham took the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute. Nicky Southall's hanging cross from the right flank was met by the unchallenged Andrew Crofts with a header into the roof of the net, the Welsh youth international's first ever goal.
Crofts could have scored again a minute later but he did not connect properly with a cross from John Hills.
Gillingham looked comfortable in the second half as Brighton struggled to create chances.
Charlie Oatway slotted a good chance to equalise into the sidenetting before Carpenter came up trumps with his first goal of the season. Oatway's cross was headed out by Alan Pouton to Carpenter, who scored with a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Brighton surged forward in search of a late winner and Paul Gallacher made a fine save from McCammon's downward header.
Gillingham looked like holding on for a point until Virgo pounced with two minutes left , poking the ball in from close range after McCammon headed on a long throw by Kerry Mayo.