With their Premier League status assured, Leeds were hoping to sign off their eventful campaign at home in style, but were coming up against a Brighton side who knew they could seal European qualification with a win.
Both sides got off to a frantic start amidst a carnival atmosphere at Elland Road, with chances coming at both ends. Carlos Baleba had a shot from outside the box comfortably saved by Karl Darlow, before Daniel James sent a wicked curling effort from outside the area narrowly wide of the post.
Brighton began to grow into the contest as half-time approached and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, but Darlow made a sublime save on the stretch to deny Pascal Gross’ swerving shot.
The visitors then almost went behind on the verge of the break after a scuffed clearance deflected off Lewis Dunk and looked to be dipping in under the bar, but Bart Verbruggen was alert to palm the ball away.
The Seagulls continued probing for the opener once play resumed and had early opportunities, as Danny Welbeck saw a shot cleared off the line by a brilliant Ethan Ampadu headed clearance before Brighton’s top scorer this season headed into the side netting from a corner.
Brighton lead the way for most goals by substitutes in the league with 12 this season, and that ought to have increased when Diego Gómez was picked out unmarked in the box by Ferdi Kadioglu, but he blazed his shot high and wide.
Leeds were dealt a blow with just over a quarter-hour remaining when Anton Stach had to be stretchered off injured, and the contest ultimately looked to be petering out with both sides struggling to create any clear-cut opportunities.
However, just as it looked like the points were to be shared, Calvert-Lewin pounced on a horrendous back-pass from Jan Paul van Hecke, before rounding Verbruggen and slotting into an empty net.
Victory, thanks to their first and only shot on target, moved Daniel Farke’s side up into 13th place and over 10 points clear of the bottom three.
Brighton, meanwhile, have work on the PL final day in order to secure European football next season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Karl Darlow (Leeds United)
