Robbie Pethick was sent off for Albion's reserves last night, but it will not affect his prospects of a first team recall.

The experienced defender faces an automatic one-match ban, applying only to reserve team football, for denying Crystal Palace striker Tom Soares a goalscoring opportunity.

Pethick saw red in the 31st minute of an eventful 1-1 draw for Albion against arch rivals Crystal Palace in the group stage of the Pontin's Holidays Combination Cup at Worthing.

The former Portsmouth player, relegated to the bench at Plymouth last Saturday, was dismissed by Surrey referee Paul Melin for a tackle on Soares inside the area when he was the last defender.

Ross Flitney, making an impressive debut on a month's loan from Fulham, saved the resulting spot kick by Ben Surey.

Melin ordered it to be retaken, as the linesman signalled Flitney had moved off his line, but Surey's second attempt struck a post.

The Seagulls defied their numerical disadvantage to take the lead on the stroke of half time. Chris McPhee, foiled early on by Palace's ex-Albion schoolboy keeper Lance Cronin, released Jake Robinson.

The highly-rated first year scholar, moved from the right flank to a more central role following Pethick's departure, gave Cronin no chance with an emphatic right foot finish.

Young sub Ben Watson almost doubled Albion's advantage in the second half with an angled drive against a post.

The Seagulls were robbed of a remarkable victory two minutes into stoppage time. Flitney punched clear a free kick from the left wing only as far as Ricky Dolan, who hooked in the equaliser on the volley.

The Reserves' game against Colchester at Woodside Road next Wednesday has been brought forward from 7pm to 3pm.

Team: Albion Reserves: Flitney; Le-Abd, Bridle, Virgo, Pethick, Wilkinson, Robinson, Hammond, Lee, McPhee, Piercy. Subs: Breach, May, Fillery, Watson (for Robinson 64), Piper.