Brighton & Hove Albion are level at half time against Preston North End after squandering several chances to take the lead at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls, who started the day four points clear of Birmingham City, were almost ahead inside the opening minutes after Bruno teed up Sam Baldock, but his effort failed to test Jordan Pickford.

On seven minutes, Brighton squandered another chance to break the deadlock when Baldock turned provider for Tomer Hemed and the Israeli's strike flew over the crossbar.

Albion looked to be in the ascendancy after Andrew Crofts headed narrowly wide from a corner, with Preston struggling to get hold of the ball.

However, North End started to threaten as Eoin Doyle brought a save out of David Stockdale before the Cardiff City loanee headed over from Adam Reach's cross soon after.

Midway through the half, Liam Rosenior came close to giving the hosts the lead as he squared the ball into the path of Jamie Murphy, but Pickford was on hand to keep out the midfielder.

Despite continued pressure from Brighton, Preston almost edged ahead 12 minutes before the interval after Jordan Hugill latched onto Alan Browne pass, only to be thwarted by Stockdale.