Skipper Andrew Crofts became Albion's eighth player to be sent off this season as his side suffered a Boxing Day stalemate today.

Crofts went 20 minutes from time for a second bookable offence as the Seagulls drew 0-0 at home to fellow League One strugglers Leyton Orient.

He now misses Monday's trip to Wycombe, as does Liam Dickinson after picking up a fifth booking of the season.

A poor game was almost decided by a fluke goal just before Crofts' departure but JJ Melligan saw his intended cross from the right miss everyone and hit the far post.

Melligan produced perhaps the best moment of the afternoon in only the second minute but his fierce angled drive was tipped behind by Peter Brezovan.

Brezovan made a brave save to deny Scott McGleish seven minutes after the break, the O's striker suffering a knee injury in the process as the pair collided.

Andros Townsend later whipped a shot past the far post as Orient chased a winner against ten men.

Visiting keeper Jamie Jones was never really tested, his hardest save coming as late as the 90th minute.

Jones got down to his left to hold a shot by Dickinson, who did well to make room for a right-foot attempt but then failed to get any power.