Paul Reid could be back in time to help Albion's play-off bid after making a successful return to action.

The versatile Australian came through an hour of his comeback for the Reserves tonight after recovering from medial knee ligament damage.

Reid remained in the contest for longer than planned as the Seagulls' second string beat their Leyton Orient counterparts 4-1.

Albion are setting no date for his return to first team availability but were encouraged by his efforts.

First team boss Dean Wilkins, who watched the Pontin's Holidays Combination fixture at Worthing, said: "He came through it fine.

"He was only going to play the first half but, when he felt okay, we decided to give him another ten or 15 minutes.

"We are building up his fitness. We'll get as many games into him as we can, same as for anybody coming back.

"You never know how these things will go the first time someone gets back playing. We'll take it step by step but this game was positive."

Reid, a member of the squad which was promoted via the play-offs four years ago, has made just four first-team starts in 18 months because of injury problems.

Wilkins decided against giving Ian Westlake a run out. The on-loan midfielder has missed the last two League One matches and was initially due to be given playing time in the second string.

He is available for Saturday's home fixture with rock-bottom Port Vale.

The reserves' goals came from Jake Robinson (2), Joe Gatting and Jonny Dixon.

Wilkins said: "It was a good team performance."