Brighton earned themselves a stay of execution as they stunned Ipswich at Portman Road with a goal in each half from Gifton Noel-Williams and Joel Lynch.

The home side had dominated the opening stages but were hit deep in first-half injury time when Noel-Williams fired home.

An expected fightback from Ipswich failed to materialise after the break and Brighton took advantage by adding a second in the 73rd minute from Lynch. Nicky Forster pulled one back late on but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

The Seagulls' Coca-Cola Championship status is hanging by a thread and just one more league defeat could see them consigned to League One football next season.

While at home Brighton have been disappointing with just one win this year, away from home they have fared better and were 2-0 winners against fellow strugglers Millwall in their last away game.

Ipswich, meanwhile, have little to play for but pride with Joe Royle's side safe on 53 points.

But the defeat was their second in succession at home following their 4-1 capitulation at the hands of Stoke.

A win was an absolute must for the visitors and they started strongly. Colin Kazim-Richards tested Shane Supple in the Ipswich goal before Paul Reid stung the hands of the goalkeeper.

But Ipswich were soon regaining possession and they were unlucky not to draw first blood in the 24th minute when teenage striker Danny Haynes' header was tipped over by Wayne Henderson - who then had to be alert to punch clear Darren Currie's corner.

And with less than 10 minutes before half-time, Alan Lee headed wide before Matthew Richards forced Henderson into a save.

But Brighton stunned the home side when they snatched the lead in first half injury-time.

With his first shot of the half, Noel-Williams pounced to strike the ball beyond the hapless Supple and give the visitors hope of a great escape.

And they nearly added a second soon after the break when Kazim-Richards' effort was tipped round the post by Supple.

Alan Lee's 63rd-minute volley was blocked by Paul McShane while Brighton dangerman Kazim-Richards continued to threaten when he fired wide from 25 yards.

Noel-Williams came close when his shot from distance was palmed to safety by Supple.

But the Seagulls added a second in the 73rd minute when Kazim-Richards rattled the bar and as Ipswich failed to clear their lines properly the ball was sent back into the area where Lynch stabbed home from close range.

The home side struck in the dying minutes when Forster got his head onto a flick from Lee to plant the ball beyond Henderson but it proved to be nothing more than consolation as Brighton held firm for the win.

Teams

Ipswich Supple, Wilnis, De Vos, Naylor (Casement 37), Barron,Currie, Juan (Forster 61), Garvan, Richards, Haynes, Lee.

Subs Not Used: Price, Bowditch, Brekke-Skard.

Booked: Richards, De Vos.

Goals: Forster 90.

Brighton Henderson, Hart, Butters, McShane, Lynch,Reid (El-Abd 74), Hammond, Carpenter, Mayo,Kazim-Richards (Carole 88), Noel-Williams (Gatting 83).

Subs Not Used: Martin, Frutos.

Booked: McShane, Mayo, Hart, Kazim-Richards.

Goals: Noel-Williams 45, Lynch 73.

Att: 23,964

Ref: I Williamson (Berkshire).