Paul Kitson bagged his first goal for Albion last night, but his joy was short-lived.

The former West Ham marksman went off with a hamstring injury after scoring the winner for the Reserves against Bristol Rovers at Worthing.

Injury-plagued Kitson broke his duck for the Seagulls in the 75th minute with a clever chip which secured a 2-1 victory.

He trudged off in disconsolate fashion three minutes later to be replaced by youngster Daniel Beck.

The win for Dean White's side was further overshadowed by injury problems for the returning Simon Rodger and John Piercy.

Rodger, making his comeback from a broken toe, hurt his back and had to be replaced five minutes into the second half by Adam El-Abd.

Piercy went off at half-time with groin trouble, Geoff Pitcher taking over his role on the left side of midfield.

Kitson's young partner, Chris McPhee, put Albion ahead in the 14th minute, stretching to guide in Rodger's cross with a right foot volley from close range.

Ijah Anderson, who played under watching Albion boss Steve Coppell at Brentford, equalised on his debut as a trialist for Rovers on 33 minutes with an angled drive.

Kitson hit a post before his clincher, while a header on the run by Pitcher was brilliantly tipped over by Ryan Clarke.

Andrew Burke, another Rovers' trialist, had to go off early on and required stitches in a facial wound following a high challenge by Gary Hart which earned the Albion winger a booking. Rodger was also cautioned.

Albion are giving up home advantage for their Senior Cup quarter-final against Crawley. The tie takes place at the Broadfield Stadium on February 17.

Albion Reserves: Packham; Rogers, Harding, Hinshelwood, Blackwell, Rodger, Hart, Lee, Kitson, McPhee, Piercy. Subs: Pitcher for Piercy (injured 46), El-Abd for Rodger (injured 50), Beck for Kitson (injured 78), Greatwich, Bartholomew.

More Seagulls stuff at thisisthealbion.co.uk