Nicky Forster grabbed a precious 70th-minute equaliser tonight as Albion bounced back from a nightmare start at Millwall.

The Seagulls claimed an encouraging 1-1 draw in a hostile atmosphere at The Den as Forster arrived unmarked at the far post to head home a deep cross whipped in by Adam Virgo.

They deserved a a point as they produced some of their best football of the season so far in the second period.

Albion trailed in only the sixth minute when impressive David Martin was sent clear down the left and crossed low for Jason Price to finish.

Price was only playing because home talisman Neil Harris suffered a calf injury in the warm-up.

Michel Kuipers, back from suspension, made two superb saves from Gary Alexander as the Lions had the better of the first half.

Albion improved in a thoroughly entertaining second period and were inches from a leveller as Dean Cox chipped David Forde but saw the ball come back off the bar.

Forster looked odds-on to convert the rebound but failed to get proper contact on his header.

Three minutes later, though, the Seagulls were level as Forster headed in via Forde's legs.

Almost immediately Kuipers made a great stop from a Jimmy Abdou drive.

The visitors made sure of their draw in a frantic finale as James Tunnicliffe cleared an Andy Frampton effort off the line.

Albion were well backed by 1,170 travelling fans in a gate of 10,138 and received a rousing ovation at the end of a battling performance.

See The Argus tomorrow for comprehensive match coverage, including Andy Naylor's match verdict plus pictures, player ratings and Russell Slade's verdict.