BRIGHTON 0, UNITED 1 (Kandol 79)

Brighton: Kuipers, Whing, El-Abd, Elphick, Richards, Savage (Elder 83), Fraser (Loft 88), Martot, Hammond, Robinson (Forster 88), Revell. Subs: Sullivan, Butters.

United: Ankergren, Richardson, Heath, Marques, Clapham, Prutton, Hughes (Westlake 37), Douglas, Carole, Beckford (De Vries 90), Kandol. Subs: Huntington, Lucas, Andrews.

Referee: P Taylor

Bookings: Whing (Brighton),Beckford, Marques (United).

Att: 8,691 (843 Leeds)

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Dennis Wise made just one change from the side which drew with Leyton Orient, with Jonathan Douglas replacing the injured Alan Thompson.

The Withdean hasn't been the happiest hunting ground for United in recent seasons, but it was Tresor Kandol who went closest during the opening exchanges when he headed wide of the mark.

The hosts started brightly, though, and after Casper Ankergren made a good save to deny Jake Robinson, David Martot shot wide of the mark after a good ball into the box.

Jermaine Beckford found himself in the book after 18 minutes following a collision with Brighton goalkeeper Michael Kuipers, but there was little to entertain the supporters during the opening half-hour.

Brighton goalkeeper Kuipers made his first save on 31 minutes when he did well to beat away a Seb Carole volley. It was a great effort from the Frenchman and produced the best save so far.

On 37 minutes, United were forced into a change when Andrew Hughes limped out of the action to be replaced by Ian Westlake.

Shortly before half-time Dean Hammond sent a powerful strike wide of the mark after the home side won the ball in midfield, while at the other end Kuipers reacted quickly to deny a combination of Kandol and Beckford, who were both in pursuit of a teasing ball over the top.

The home side had the first opportunity after the break when Ankergren made his second save of the game to deny Alex Revell with an effort from just inside the box following a quick Brighton break.

Martot also screwed a shot wide when Brighton threatened again on 55 minutes.

But for all Brighton's endeavour, United came closest to breaking the deadlock on the hour-mark. Jamie Clapham escaped down the left, and Beckford headed his pin-point cross just inches over the top.

Brighton did threaten again, and David Prutton fired wide for United, but chances were at a premium as the stop-start affair entered the final 15 minutes.

Then, amazingly, United took the lead in bizarre fashion. Adam El-Abd somehow turned a harmless Frazer Richardson cross goalwards, Kuipers had to react to punch the ball clear, and Kandol was on hand to sweep up the loose ball and convert from close range.

Lifted by the goal, Kandol almost doubled the advantage moments later when he fired wide after Leeds broke with renewed confidence.

Ankergren had another save to make when he stopped a Tom Fraser drive at the second attempt and the terrific Rui Marques made a block from Andrew Whing as the hosts tried their luck from distance.

But United's lead wasn't seriously threatened as the unbeaten start to the league season stretched to 12 games with a first ever victory at The Withdean Stadium.