Andrew Moran scored twice as Albion under-21s made a winning start to their Papa John’s Trophy campaign.

The young Seagulls were 3-2 victors at Walsall.

Moran twice fired into the top corner to give his side first-half leads.

The winner was an own goal by Liam Gordon as he tried to cut out a cross from Cam Peupion.

Albion will also visit Shrewsbury Town and Forest Green in the group stage.

Albion: McGill; Nilsson, McConville, Kavanagh, Samuels; Peupion (Duffus 78), Hinchy (Chouchane 90+2), Hinshelwood, Barrington (Mullins 78); Moran (Baker-Boaitey 90+2), O’Mahony. Unused subs: Cahill, Jackson, Slater.