Albion youngster Adam El-Abd was sent off in the Reserves yesterday for two fouls in as many minutes on the same player.

The powerful rightback received his marching orders from Essex ref Steve Rubery early in the second half of the 1-1 draw against Colchester at Worthing.

Bobby Bowry was the victim both times as El-Abd, red-carded at the same ground playing for Bognor last Easter, was booked for tackles near the halfway line after 47 and 49 minutes.

He caught Bowry late on each occasion, although the challenges were impetuous rather than malicious.

El-Abd's early exit overshadowed promising performances by two more rookies in Albion's first home League match in the Pontins' Holidays Combination.

Second year scholar Ben Watson, making his full debut, played a prominent role in the Seagulls' 23rd minute goal.

The left-winger was involved twice in a fluent build-up. He linked up with Dan Harding and Dean Hammond for a shot which keeper Dean Gerken could only parry and Chris McPhee gobbled up the rebound.

Jake Robinson also showed up well again. The 16-year-old striker almost doubled Albion's advantage with a shot just over the bar.

Slack marking allowed the visitors to level against the run of play just before half-time, Dwayne Edwards heading in a free kick.

Watson was sacrificed after El-Abd's exit and Albion held out, Ross Flitney making a fine save to turn Edwards' drive for a corner.

Albion Reserves: Flitney; El-Abd, Harding, Virgo, Pethick, Hammond, Robinson, Watson, Lee, McPhee, Piercy. Subs: Breach for Watson (withdrawn 53); Windsor for Robinson (withdrawn 80); May, Fillery, Elphick.