Albion were not at their fluid best and rode their luck at times but Brighton took the lead in the 15th minute through Solly March as he netted his seventh goal of the season.
After a floodlight failure momentarily plunged the stadium into darkness, referee Peter Bankes stopped the match, apparently because his headset was no longer working.
There was a delay of a couple of minutes before play resumed.
It was perhaps an evening when only the result mattered and in the end Albion’s work-rate paid off and the saw out for the victory. The results adds more pressure on Palace boss Patrick Vieira, while Brighton continue their push for European qualification.
Sam Morton was at the Amex Stadium for Sussex World and here’s the player ratings...
13. Ferguson (on for Welbeck, 79th minute) - 7:
Good impact off the bench. Driving run forward as Brighton looked for that kilker goal. Hard for defenders to pick up and able to use his body well to hold the ball up. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
14. Enciso (on for Mitoma) - 7:
Made some good runs. Curling shot just wide of the post. Photo: Mike Hewitt
15. Sarmiento (on for Mac Allister) - N/A:
Not enough time to make significant impact Photo: Steve Bardens
16. Webster (on for March) - N/A:
Brought on in injury-time to sure things up at the back Photo: Justin Setterfield