Aston Villa extended their unbeaten record under manager Steve Bruce to six Sky Bet Championship games with a 1-1 draw at second-placed Brighton.
Nathan Baker headed Villa in front on 20 minutes but striker Glenn Murray ensured a point for Chris Hughton's side by replying just before the interval.
Villa top scorer Jonathan Kodjia twice saw headers pushed against the bar by Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale as the visitors carried a greater threat in the closing stages.
Brighton, now unbeaten in nine matches, would have gone level on points with leaders Newcastle with victory, but Villa were more than worth a share of the points before a season's best Amex crowd of 30,107.
Brighton's Murray cancels out Aston Villa's Baker in draw
