Manager Simon Grayson admitted Robert Snodgrass' late equaliser against Brighton on Saturday could prove to be "a massive difference" in Leeds United's season.

Grayson's men were on the verge of a second successive home defeat at the weekend, but Snodgrass struck in the 95th minute to secure a point against the Seagulls.

And, while Colchester and Charlton both maintained their pressure on Leeds by winning, United did move a point closer to the summit after leaders Norwich lost at home to Southampton.

"We're struggling a bit and we're not playing as well as we can," said the United manager.

"We knew they would come to frustrate us on Saturday and they did that at times, but we kept going and to get that late goal could be a massive difference.

"We have to keep believing we will get to where we want. Every team in the country goes through a period like this and the strong ones come through it, and that's what we have to do.

"It's the ones that come through who roll their sleeves up - and we have characters like that. We've said all along that no team is going to walk any division and doesn't have a divine right to win any game. We have 15 games to go and are in a great position.

"You have to stand firm in your belief in what you are trying to do. Everyone has to work hard, but it's that extra couple of per cent that will be the difference.

"I made some decisions on Saturday with the team because we had to freshen it up. Some of the players were dead on their feet after Tuesday.

"I thought the crowd were really good because they kept on trying to motivate the players, but ultimately it's the players who have to come through it."

Brighton were reduced to 10 men late in the contest when Adam Virgo was red carded for a challenge on Max Gradel, but the visitors already had the lead by that stage, courtesy of a controversial penalty decision.

"With the sending off, I thought he went over the top and caught him, but I might be wrong," said the boss.

"I saw the penalty again straight afterwards and it's a real soft penalty. Hes running away from Richard Naylor, he's either clipped Richard or clipped his own leg. It was a major decision."

You can see extended highlights on LUTV...