Table-topping Brighton & Hove Albion head into the break level at 1-1 with Cardiff City following an evenly-matched first half at the Amex.

The league leaders found themselves trailing within five minutes when Scott Malone played a low cross to Joe Mason in front of goal, and the striker made no mistake from close range.

Brighton responded well to falling behind, quickly forcing Cardiff onto the back foot as Sam Baldock's half-volley forced a save out of Simon Moore in the seventh minute.

Cardiff had Moore to thank for maintaining their lead in the 20th minute as the stopper pulled off a double save to deny first Baldock, then Liam Rosenior on the rebound.

Brighton were level seven minutes before the break when Beram Kayal's lofted pass was volleyed into the back of the net by Dale Stephens.

The Seagulls almost went into the interval with a slender lead but Hemed could only find the side-netting from a tight angle after being put through on goal by Baldock.