Daniel Farke saw his Leeds United side net a 96th-minute winner to defeat highflying Brighton at Elland Road.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said the full-time scenes at Elland Road rank among the best of his career, after a 1-0 win over Brighton in the final home game of the season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's stoppage time winner came against the run of play and stunned Brighton, who are still fighting for European qualification.

Leeds, who are safe and playing only to finish as highly as possible, were under the cosh at times in the second half but held firm to stay in with a chance of the points. And when Brighton were guilty of an error in possession late on, Leeds pounced.

"Sums up our season and also the group of players we have," said Farke. "Perfect fitting ending to a fantastic season in a home game here.

“It was a difficult week with the injuries and illness. Against a side with all to play for, before the game day they could still qualify for the Champions League. We had injuries for Anton [Stach] and Brenden [Aaronson]. We kept it tight, defended our goal really well. They were the more dominant side in the second half but we wanted to stay in the game. We never stopped believing there would be one or two chances to score a goal. To do it that late with such a composed finish feels massive. Just happy we can spoil our supporters."

The win was marred slightly by the sight of Stach being stretchered from the pitch in the second half. The German landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge and though he tried to play on, he was unable to continue. Farke hopes his midfielder's World Cup chances will not be impacted but could not offer an update on the seriousness of the injury.

"The opponent fell on his knee or ankle," said Farke. "He tried to keep going on. I hope it's not too bad but it was too painful [to continue]. The World Cup is around the corner and fingers crossed it's not too bad. It would be just guessing for me. Ankle injury, we have to wait on what the medical team says."

Aaronson's problem was a dead leg, sustained in the first half. The American spent time on an exercise bike at half-time to try and keep from tightening up but he too had to come off the pitch in the second half.

“We have no final decision on his future yet”

Among the players coming off the bench in the second half was Sam Byram, whose second stint at the club could come to an end when his contract expires this summer. The defender's pass, albeit wayward, led to Brighton's error and the match winner.

"Everyone knows I have a soft spot for Sam Byram," said Farke. "It was always the plan that he plays this game. We have no final decision on his future yet, we will speak about this in the coming weeks. To come in and play a crucial part in the goal, if you would write a fairy-tale you'd write it exactly this way."

At full-time the players and Farke returned to the dressing room but then re-emerged to celebrate with the supporters. The German's name was chanted around Elland Road in a show of appreciation and he was delighted to see the stadium full of smiling faces again.

"Not with chanting my name, just to see everyone full of joy and pride of their club," he said. "This for me was important. When I walked in it was a completely different scenario. This fanbase is second to none in the football world. They can carry a team. They are the most important asset of Leeds United. It's important to never forget this. This club can develop an energy second to none. I'm just pleased we gave the pride, belief and joy back to the supporters.

"[It ranks] very high because if it would be easy here then in the last 25 years several other managers would do this as well. Only Marcelo [Bielsa] was able to bring the club to the Premier League and play a fantastic season after promotion. To bring this fantastic club into such a position feels very special. It ranks really, really high."