Albion winger Paul Brooker was at the centre of an amazing defeat for the reserves at Southend yesterday.

Brooker scored twice, hit the post twice and missed a penalty as the Seagulls went down 4-3 at Southend's rain-ravaged Boots and Laces training ground.

Brooker, substituted in the first half of the first team's home defeat by Southend on Monday, opened the scoring with a chip over keeper Chris Porter after just 33 seconds.

The woodwork prevented him doubling Albion's lead before Matt Fowler levelled for Southend on 24 minutes with a close range effort through Mark Cartwright's legs.

Scott Ramsay restored Albion's advantage on 37 minutes. The teenage striker from Hastings netted the rebound when Porter parried a Rod Thomas shot from Lee Johnson's corner.

Michael Black put Southend back on terms seconds into the restart with a 20-yard chip and they went ahead for the first time on 54 minutes.

David Lee, who came off the bench to score the Shrimpers' clinching second goal at Withdean on Monday, was instrumental once again.

Cartwright made a fine one-handed stop from his 25-yard drive, but Lee's ensuing corner was headed in at the far post by Matt Davies.

Brooker, who started on the left but had freedom to roam, hit the post again before making it 3-3 with a break through the middle nine minutes from time.

Lee then converted what turned out to be Southend's winner from the penalty spot on 86 minutes following a foul on substitute Trevor Fitzpatrick.

That wasn't the end of the drama. Ramsay had a shot handled in the last minute, but the outstanding Brooker's equalising hat-trick attempt from the spot was kept out by Porter.

Nathan Jones played at leftback for Albion against his old club and Darren Carr returned to the centre of defence following the expiry of his month's loan with Rotherham.

Albion Reserves: Cartwright; Melton, Virgo, Carr, Jones, Thomas, Hammond, Johnson, Freeman, Ramsay, Brooker. Subs: McPhee, Beech, Marney, Davis, McCurdy.