Darius Henderson muscled aside fellow goal hero Leon Knight to launch Albion's 3-1 victory at Oldham on the first day of the season.

The Seagulls' two new loan strikers both wanted to take a first-half penalty, so captain Danny Cullip acted as referee.

The 6ft 3in Henderson, signed on loan from Reading for a month, revealed: "I think there would have been some physical abuse if I didn't get that penalty.

"As soon as I found out it was a penalty I went over to the skipper and said I wanted it.

"Leon wanted it as well, as any striker would, but the skipper gave it to me and I returned the favour by putting it in.

"I've scored a few before for Reading, including against West Ham in the Worthington Cup. The only advice I've ever received is just to be confident."

Boss Steve Coppell said: "I've always conformed to the Ron Atkinson school of penalty taking, whoever is feeling confident grabs hold of the ball and takes it.

"The problem arises when two people are feeling confident. Given the stature of the two players I don't think it was any accident that Darius took it."

The 5ft 4in Knight, on loan for two months from Chelsea, was walking tall by the end after headers in both halves wrapped up the points.

Knight was sent-off after two minutes for elbowing on his previous appearance against Oldham while on loan at Huddersfield.

"A few mates called me before the game to remind me of that," he said. "Every time I come here they give me a bit of stick, so I was pleased to score.

"I was actually arguing with Danny Cullip to let me take the penalty, but Darius tucked it away nicely.

"It's all about movement with headers rather than how tall you are and I've scored a few in my time."

Coppell, pleased with the result but not the performance, said of his new strike force: "They are good players. I wish they were ours!

"It's ironic that the smallest player on the pitch scored two headers.

"You always get strange results in the first couple of weeks of the season. We are grateful for the three points, but there are certainly lessons to be learnt."