Joao Pedro's stoppage-time penalty snatched Brighton victory over Fulham and strengthened their hopes of securing a Champions League berth.

Pedro won the penalty for his side after beating Fulham's Harrison Reed to the ball and taking a challenge on the back of the ankle.

The Brazilian dispatched the spot-kick into the corner to score for a third successive game - the first time he has achieved that feat in the Premier League - and deliver a crucial three points for the hosts.

Raul Jimenez had put Fulham in front with a well-taken volley after some neat chest control at the far post but Brighton struck back six minutes later through Jan Paul van Hecke.

Both teams played 120 minutes when securing their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last Sunday, with Brighton beating Newcastle and Fulham seeing off Manchester United, and fatigue may have played a part in a largely uneventful first half at Amex Stadium.

Brighton showed a slight improvement in the second half and had two goals ruled out for offside before eventually grabbing the winner.

The victory moves Brighton up to sixth and just one point adrift of Manchester City who are fourth and in the final guaranteed Champions League spot.

Fulham, who had not lost against Brighton in nine previous encounters, stay ninth, four points further back.