Alan Cork roled back the years to help Albion end their Irish tour on a winning note last night.

Seagulls' assistant boss came on for the last 15 minutes as Athlone Town were defeated 1-0 in an entertaining tussle in central Ireland.

And Cork showed a few of the old touches leading the line for the last 15 minutes as Albion ran out of substitutes.

The former Wimbledon hit man had a header and a volley saved and admitted: "It's interesting when you play with people because you can find out a bit more.

"You try and tell them things but sometimes you don't see it until you actually go out there. But I was a bit disappointed not to score.

"The header was a bit early for me but it just shows moves from free kicks can win you games, no matter how old you are."

Albion had to rely on an own goal for their winner as Paul Brooker's inswinging cross was deflected home by Gordon Brett three minutes from time.

But the visitors deserved victory for a lively second- half display in which Matt Russell hit the post and Brooker had an effort desperately kicked away by keeper Gary Connaughton.

The Seagulls passed the ball about more fluently than they had in their previous games at Longford and Galway.

First-half performances of note came from Andy Crosby, who was strong at the back, and Charlie Oatway, pulling strings in midfield.

Wholesale changes were made at the break, with Danny Davis and Warren Aspinall contributing well to the second half effort.

And midfielder Steve Melton did enough to show why boss Micky Adams is keen to give him an extended chance with Albion.

The players return to training on Monday, when they will be rejoined by Gary Hart and Darren Freeman, both of whom missed the tour.

Defender Paul Watson is also expected to resume training early in the week having suffered a groin strain at Galway on Wednesday.

Albion: Kuipers, Mayo (sub. Andrews 68), Jones (sub. Davis 68), Crosby (sub. McPherson 45), Carr (sub. Cullip 45), Carpenter (sub. Aspinall 45), Brooker, Rogers (sub. Melton 45), Steele (sub. Russell 45), Ramsay (sub. Cork 75), Oatway (sub. Thomas 45). Unused sub. Packham.