Nicky Forster's close-range goal seventeen minutes from time preserved Brighton's League 1 status.

The veteran striker pounced on the rebound after Conrad Logan failed to hold Gary Dicker's 18-yard volley.

Logan appealed for offside but the goal stood and the Seagulls hung on for the three points in front of a record Withdean gate of 8,618.

It was rough justice on a County side, though, that had much more of the possession.

The threatened after just four minutes when Chris O'Grady's shot on the turn was deflected for a corner.

A minute later James Vincent shot wide from 20 yards.

The Hatters continued to press and Michael Rose got free down the left after 20 minutes but hit his cross a little too far for Andy halls at the far post.

Vincent then played a clever ball into Oli Johnson who saw his shot deflected wide.

County came close to breaking the deadlock on 28 minutes. O'Grady hit a reverse pass to Rose who pulled the ball back to Matty Mainwaring. Michel Kuipers couldn't hold his shot and Johnson pounced on the rebound but, again, his shot was deflected for a corner.

Brighton first threatened nine minutes before the break. A spell of pressure ended in a shot from Calvin Andrews that went behind. Form Dean Cox's corner Logan punched to Dicker then did well to make a save from the on-loan County midfielder.

Just before half time County had a real let off. Logan made a fine save from Cox, the ball looped towards the far post where Andrews came flying in and planted a header on top of the bar. The striker collided with Michael Raynes and didn't reappear for the second half.

Jim Gannon's young guns started the second period brightly. Two minutes in Rose found O'Grady on the left. Hi cross was met by Johnson at the near post by Johnson who flicked goalwards. Again Kuipers couldn't hold it and when Johnson went over the 'keeper chasing for the rebound the referee waved away the penalty appeals.

Another flowing move on 50 minutes involving Rose and O'Grady ended with a shot from Tommy Rowe. The ball hit a defender and rebounded to Johnson who curled just wide.

The home side had barely troubled the County defence until Forster struck but they might have added another three minutes after scoring.

This time Forster turned provider with a cross from the right that Kevin McLeod headed over.

Jim Gannon made a double substitution with five minutes remaining with Rose and O'Grady making way for Greg Tansey and Peter Thompson.

But the change couldn't provide the spark for an equalising goal that would have been thoroughly deserved.

On the final whistle whilst the Seagulls fans celebrated their Great Escape Jim Gannon led his young starts to the magnificent 800+ travelling army who gave their heroes wonderful ovation in recognition of their fantastic efforts over the course of the season.