Everton substitute Beto rescues late point at Brighton

Substitute Beto struck in the seventh minute of added time to earn Everton a dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw at Brighton.

Albion were poised to celebrate a first win in four top-flight outings thanks to Pascal Gross’ first goal since returning to the club from Borussia Dortmund.

But, after Jake O’Brien’s thumping effort was spilled by Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen at the death, Beto tapped home the rebound, sparking wild scenes in the away end and prompting Toffees boss David Moyes to run on to the pitch to celebrate.

Everton move on to 34 points courtesy of the late drama, while Brighton remain three points below following a solitary victory from their last 11 league fixtures.

Ahead of kick-off at the Amex Stadium, there was a minute’s applause in memory of Brighton women’s coach Rado Vidosic, who died on Tuesday aged 64 following a battle with cancer.

Seagulls midfielder Gross saw a close-range effort deflected wide and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept out a backheeled attempt from Danny Welbeck during a bright start from the hosts.

Albion were almost rewarded for their greater attacking intent in the 19th minute.

Following a sloppy pass from Toffees midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kaoru Mitoma burst into the box after exchanging passes with Welbeck, only for his dinked effort to roll agonisingly wide of the right post.

Everton began a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium by beating Brighton 2-0 in the reverse fixture in August.

Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring that day and looked most likely to provide a spark for the visitors during a insipid opening period in which they failed to register an attempt at goal.

Kicking towards the travelling fans in the second half, Everton resumed with increased