Scott Lindsey felt his Crawley side forced Albion under-21s out of their stride in their EFL Trophy clash.

Reds drew 2-2 over 90 minutes with the young Seagulls in the opening group fixture of the Bristol Street Motors competition.

They then won 4-3 in a shoot-out for the extra point.

Reds boss Scott Lindsey said: “I really enjoyed the game.

“I thought it was a really good performance.

“I thought we controlled the game, dominated possession throughout, played out from the back, played through the thirds, scored two great goals in open play and the penalties were very good as well.

“I thought we pressed really well as well, stopped them from playing.

“They are a team who want to hold possession themselves and play out from the back.

“I think their goalkeeper probably kicked it up the pitch more than he has ever done so I was really pleased.”

Albion under-21s head coach Shannon Ruth enjoyed the test given his side - and how they responded.

He said: “I thought we played a really good Crawley side, really well coached, played some really nice stuff.

“But I was really pleased with how the players dealt with that.

“In the first half we suffered a little but hung in here.

“It’s a great experience for some of our lads.

“That will be their first taste of senior football.

“It was certainly competitive. I thought it was an extremely transitional game, neither team had control for large periods.”