United showed their professionalism throughout and handled a tricky build-up comfortably in their stride, displaying discipline across the park while illuminating a dank, autumnal day with some moments of class.

First-half strikes from from Robert Snodgrass and top-scorer Jermaine Beckford put the visitors in complete control and Neil Kilkenny applied late gloss, steering home a late third after a rapier-like raid.

United's pre-game plans were rocked by the news that skipper Richard Naylor and Bradley Johnson suffered injuries in training, with the influential pair sitting out proceedings.

Naylor's absence meant Lubomir Michalik started in the heart of the back four – for just the second time in the league this term – alongside Patrick Kisnorbo, back after missing the Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Grimsby after jetting off for international duty with Australia.

BRIGHTON: Smith; Whing (Navarro 68), Elphick, Tunnicliffe, El-Abd (C Davies 77); Bennett, Dicker, Crofts, Cox (McLeod 69); Murray, Forster. Subs not used: Livermore, Hart, Virgo, Pelling (gk).

LEEDS UNITED: Ankergren; Bromby, Michalik, Kisnorbo, Hughes; Howson (Prutton 80), Doyle, Kilkenny, Snodgrass; Beckford (Gradel 90), Vokes (Showunmi 82). Subs not used: Grella, Robinson, Martin (gk), White.

REFEREE: James Linington (Isle of Wight).

ATTENDANCE: 7,615.