Albion midfielder John Piercy today declared: "It's good to be back".

The Albion midfielder made a goalscoring return from a pre-season bout of colitis as the Reserves lost 2-1 at Gillingham yesterday.

He said: "I was off the pace, which was hardly surprising but it is good to be back.

"I've got a fairly serious condition so I've got to be careful. It's been a nightmare. I've had to be patient and wait for the green light. Even now the doctor has told to see how I feel after five or six weeks.

"But at least I've got 45 minutes under my belt and don't feel any the worse for it."

Piercy, 25, made his comeback with defender Paul Watson, who has been sidelined with a back problem since pre-season. The two combined to provide a first-half equaliser for the Seagulls.

Watson, who also played for the first 45 minutes, was fouled and Piercy converted the spot-kick.

Gary Hart was sent off in the second-half for violent conduct before Gills got their winner.

Reserves boss Dean White said: "John did okay but needs to get his fitness and sharpness back. That could take five or six games. Then he can push on.

"Paul came through okay as well. It's good to see both of them playing again.

"Harty was sent off after a bit of a fracas when one of their guys, who was also shown a red card, kicked out at Darren Budd. They lost another player in the last couple of minutes when he appeared to try and butt Kerry Mayo.

Albion Reserves: May, Paul Watson (Piper), El-Abd, Mayo, Jones, Hart, Budd, Piercy (Breach), Jarrett, Molango (Ben Watson), Robinson.