Ismaila Sarr on target as Crystal Palace end 12-match winless run at Brighton

Ismaila Sarr struck a second-half winner as Crystal Palace halted a miserable 12-match winless run by snatching a 1-0 Premier League victory away to bitter rivals Brighton.

Forward Sarr, who scored twice in the Eagles’ 3-1 success at the Amex Stadium last season, fired home in the 61st minute to settle a tight derby encounter.

Victory for the Eagles was a first in all competitions since December 11 and lifted them to 13th place – a point above the Seagulls.

Brighton were booed off at full-time after home supporters vented displeasure at head coach Fabian Hurzeler by chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” in the closing stages of a match in which they created little.

Albion, who would have gone into the top half of the table with three points, have now won just one of their last 12 top-flight fixtures.

Palace handed a debut to £48million club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen as part of two changes, while Brighton’s three alterations included a first Premier League start for 17-year-old midfielder Harry Howell.

A heavy police presence outside the ground indicated the importance of this fixture to the two sets of fans but passion on the terraces was not matched by entertainment on the pitch in a dour first half.

Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk glanced off target from a Pascal Gross free-kick before Eagles defender Maxence Lacroix blocked a powerful effort from Maxim De Cuyper with his left thigh.

Palace grew into the contest to end a scrappy opening period in the ascendancy.

A series of long throws from Chris Richards caused Brighton some concern before Sarr sliced wide in the 43rd minute after being played in by Daniel Munoz.

November’s reverse fixture at Selhurst Park ended goalless and, based on the opening hour,