Graham Potter refuses to be drawn into criticism of Leeds United's Elland Road pitch but admits the going was difficult

Whites CEO Angus Kinnear addressed the surface in his programme notes, promising a full reconstruction in the summer. It was planned for pre-season in 2020 but the shortened window of opportunity laid waste to Leeds United's intentions.

And in recent weeks, the inclement weather has turned the pitch into a problem. It looked heavy today from the off, with passes holding up and players falling down, before it cut up.

Potter was asked how Brighton coped on the surface and refused to be drawn into a criticism of Leeds, blaming the weather but admitting the going was difficult.

"I wouldn't say it was that bad, to be fair," he said.

"It was a heavy pitch, they've had a bit of weather up here. Thankfully we played at Newport on Sunday and got used to it. My wife's from Yorkshire, I know what it's like up here, it rains a lot."

The pitch did give Potter another reason to be pleased with his players after their 1-0 win, however.

"It wasn't the easiest, very soft pitch, very long grass, heavy, so I can only praise the players in terms of their fitness levels, their physicality, it wasn't the easiest surface to keep running on," he added, having waxed lyrical about their defensive performance in restricting Leeds to few chances and no goals.