Brighton 2-1 Fulham: Cottagers' European hopes take a blow
The Cottagers had won five consecutive away matches across all competitions but struggled to impose themselves on an in-form Brighton.
Raul Jimenez did put Fulham in front but that was their only shot on target on a drab afternoon, although they did look like hanging on for a draw after Jan Paul van Hecke had equalised for the hosts.
A reckless moment from Harrison Reed deep into stoppage time handed Brighton a penalty and Joao Pedro converted to send Fulham packing with nothing to show.
Europe still remains in Fulham's sights but the dream of making an unlikely push for a Champions League spot is starting to dissipate.
Defeat leaves the Cottagers sitting ninth and five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City.
Even if Fulham miss out on European football this season, they still have history in their sights with just 11 points required from their final 10 fixtures to seal a club-record points haul in the Premier League.
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