David Lopez's penalty deep into stoppage time extended Brighton's unbeaten run to five matches and denied Michael Appleton a first win as Blackburn manager.

Albion had nothing to show for extended periods of possession in the first half and, after their goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak denied Jason Lowe and Morten Gamst Pedersen, Jordan Rhodes fired Rovers ahead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

A magnificent late Kuszczak save prevented the in-form Scotland international striker from adding to his tally and it would prove a vital intervention in the npower Championship tussle.

In the last of five additional minutes, Blackburn substitute David Goodwillie untidily sent Lopez tumbling in the box, leaving referee Robert Madley with little option but to award a spot-kick.

Lopez picked himself up to coolly convert and move Brighton to within four points of the play-off places in seventh.