Steve Lomas reckons a “cheap” first booking for his right-back helped Albion to a point against Millwall.

The Lions manager said the dismissal of Alan Dunne was the turning point in yesterday’s 1-1 draw at The Amex.

He felt his side were comfortably holding on to their 1-0 lead until they went down to ten men.

Dunne's first booking was for taking too long over a throw-in.

Lomas said: “I could see what was going to happen.

“I thought it was a very cheap booking. I could see what was going to happen – he would be sent-off.

“I was very disappointed. It was the key turning point in the game because we were very comfortable.

“In the past we can blame ourselves for things but I think the blame lies elsewhere today.

“Brighton are a very good team, they pass the ball well and were on the back of two wins.

“We set out to nullify that and I thought we did.

“We got into some good areas as well.

“Maybe with a decent final ball we would have created some chances.

“I thought we started the second half again very disciplined.

“We scored a fantastically worked goal and we looked very comfortable.

“The sending-off is definitely the key moment of the game for me."