Anthony Knockaert's stunning strike gave Brighton their first win at Selhurst Park since 2005
Anthony Knockaert's stunning strike proved decisive as Brighton moved eight points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with victory at Crystal Palace.
Former Palace forward Glenn Murray had given the Seagulls the lead with his 100th league goal, pouncing on a mistake by James Tomkins before superbly volleying into the far corner from 18 yards.
The hosts equalised shortly after the break when Luka Milivojevic scored his eighth penalty of the season after Davy Propper had fouled Andros Townsend.
But Knockeart - who was booked after 28 seconds for the visitors, the fastest in the top flight for a decade - became the match-winner when he cut in from the right on to his favoured left-foot and curled a brilliant shot into the top-left corner from 25 yards.
The result lifts Brighton to 14th in the table, while Palace - who are also on 33 points - stay in 13th.
Clinical Murray reaches landmark
It felt like the script was written for Brighton's Murray when Romania forward Florin Andone injured his thigh in the warm-up.
He was the only Brighton player to be applauded by the home supporters before kick-off - recognition of his 47 goals in five years as a Palace player.
The 35-year-old, who had scored for both teams in previous contests between them, had been stuck on 99 league goals since a double at Fulham at the end of January.
And he made an inauspicious start to Saturday's game, touching the ball just three times in the opening 18 minutes as the hosts dominated possession.
However, his fourth touch was clinical.
Chasing Lewis Dunk's long ball, he benefited from Tomkins' poor attempt to head clear before dispatching a brilliant effort from the left side of the Palace penalty area that gave keeper Vicente Guaita no chance.
The strike means Murray has become only the second Brighton player - after Tommy Cook - to reach 100 goals for the club.
Palace fail to recover again
Crystal Palace dominated almost every statistic - with more territory, possession, shots and crosses than their opponents.
However, Roy Hodgson's side once again struggled in the area that ultimately counts - scoring goals - against a solid Brighton side.
Palace have managed just 11 goals in 15 league games at Selhurst Park this season, the second-worst scoring record at home in the Premier League after bottom club Huddersfield.
And while they levelled thanks to Milivojevic's 17th penalty in two years, that was one of only three efforts on target, and Brighton keeper Mat Ryan dealt comfortably with an early Michy Batshuayi shot and a Tomkins header.
Palace have a dismal record in games in which they have fallen behind this term, collecting just four points from a possible 42 - with their only victory coming at champions Manchester City in December.
More to follow.
