An 85th-minute Martin Reuser thunderbolt kept Ipswich's slim play-off hopes alive and denied Brighton a much-needed victory in their battle to beat the drop out of Division One.

Reuser was fully 30 yards out when he unleashed an unstoppable drive into the bottom corner to bring the curtain down on a pulsating second half at Portman Road.

If the goal was harsh on battling Brighton it could hardly have been a more welcome sight to Darren Bent, whose penalty miss looked like costing Ipswich all three points after Tony Rougier had put the visitors 2-1 up.

It had all looked to be going to plan for the hosts as Bent's namesake Marcus gave them a 20th-minute lead with a cool finish after Danny Cullip's underhit backpass left goalkeeper Dave Beasant totally exposed.

The goal was no more than Ipswich deserved after an opening spell in which Pablo Counago and the in-form Matt Holland repeatedly threatened - but Brighton were quick to redouble their efforts.

After 66 minutes Brighton were deservedly back on terms as Rougier went up for a header from Gary Hart's cross and goalkeeper Andy Marshall diverted the ball into his own net.

The away fans' cheers were abruptly silenced less than a minute later as Richard Carpenter's foul on Chris Makin gave Darren Bent, on for Counago, the chance to restore the advantage from the spot.

But when the arguments surrounding the decision had finally died down - with Carpenter and goalkeeper David Beasant entering the book - the Ipswich substitute could only blast the ball over.

The miss looked like being an even bigger turning point in both teams' seasons with 10 minutes to go when Rougier slammed the ball joyously into the roof of the net after Brighton had failed to clear their lines.

But with time running out, Reuser produced the show-stopping finale to keep Joe Royle's men just about in the promotion hunt.

Teams

Ipswich Marshall, Wilnis, Naylor, Gaardsoe, Makin, Wright, Magilton (Miller 82), Holland, Reuser, Marcus Bent, Counago (Darren Bent 58).

Subs Not Used: Bowditch, Pullen, Richards.

Goals: Marcus Bent 20, Reuser 85.

Brighton Beasant, Watson (Jones 78), Ingimarsson, Cullip, Blackwell, Mayo, Carpenter, Rodger, Brooker, Hart (Barrett 88), Rougier.

Subs Not Used: Oatway, Wilkinson, Packham.

Booked: Carpenter, Cullip.

Goals: Marshall 66 og, Rougier 81.

Att: 26,078

Ref: P Danson (Leicestershire).