Welbeck's late header salvages a point for Brighton in 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace

LONDON : Danny Welbeck headed a late equaliser as Brighton & Hove Albion held Crystal Palace to a 1-1 draw on Thursday, denying the home side a first victory at Selhurst Park since Sept. 3.

Brighton climbed to eighth in the table with 27 points after 18 games. Roy Hodgson's Palace, who were coming off a shock draw at Manchester City last weekend, are 15th on 18 points.

Palace looked to be heading towards victory after Jordan Ayew scored just before the break in a drab first half when Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen hesitated and gave up possession, and Michael Olise sent in a pinpoint cross to the back post that Ayew dove to head in.

But Welbeck scored on a terrific header in the 82nd minute to silence the Palace crowd. With his back to the net, Welbeck leapt high to send it into the top corner, turning around to watch the flight of the ball.