Keith McPherson provided another collector's item at rain-lashed Nyewood Lane last night.

The veteran stopper is not noted for his goalscoring, but he was on target for the Reserves against Portsmouth in the Avon Insurance Combination.

He netted from close range in the 33rd minute when Scott Ramsay flicked on a Warren Aspinall corner.

McPherson ended a long drought by scoring in the first team's 7-1 drubbing of Chester City in February.

That result launched the Seagulls on their current ten-game unbeaten run, but the unfortunate ex-Reading stalwart subsequently lost his place in the side through injury.

McPherson was among seven players in the starting line-up out of contract in the summer and eager to show manager Micky Adams they still have something to offer.

Albion were good value for their interval lead. Rod Thomas, playing as an orthodox striker alongside Ramsay, had a couple of shots saved by Aaron Flahavan and John Westcott also fired narrowly wide.

The son of a former Albion midfielder put Pompey level on 65 minutes. Joe McNab cut in from the wing to strike a left-foot drive from 20 yards which teenage trialist Greg Shannon got a hand to but could not keep out.

McNab and twin brother Neil, who was also in the Portsmouth team, are staying at Fratton Park, even though dad Neil recently vacated the youth team coach's post.

Albion: Shannon, Westcott, Campbell, Andrews, Carr, McPherson, Armstrong, Aspinall, Ramsay, D Davis, Thomas. Subs: Hemsley (for Carr 45), Marney (for Ramsay 60), McPhee (for Davis 62), Hammond, Packham