Albion reserve team captain Adam Virgo was sent off together with two QPR rivals at Worthing on Wednesday night.

Referee Fred Graham dismissed Virgo plus Rangers' front pair Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette following a second-half flurry of blows on the edge of the Albion box.

The bust-up overshadowed a fine 1-0 win for the Seagulls, secured in the 89th minute by David Lee, in the Pontin's Holidays Cup group fixture at Woodside Road.

Central defender Virgo looked more sinned against than sinner in the 69th minute fracas. Former Premiership forward Furlong clearly threw a punch and was already walking off before Graham issued a red card.

The official consulted both of his assistants before dishing out the same punishment for the same offence to both Virgo and Pacquette. All three players now face automatic three-match bans for violent conduct.

Chances were few and far between for both sides, but Mark Windsor came close to giving Albion the lead just before the break.

With time running out, Lee slotted in a low cross from Robbie Pethick to keep alive the Seagulls' hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

John Keeley, Albion's 42-year-old goalkeeping coach, was virtually untroubled by a strong Rangers' line-up which also included Warren Barton and Eric Sabin.

Pethick, Paul Watson and Dan Harding were also all booked for Albion. The fiery affair adds spice to Sunday's LDV Vans Trophy clash between the clubs at Loftus Road, when Furlong and Pacquette should figure for QPR.

Albion boss Mark McGhee has decided against drafting in a keeper on loan, so Keeley will continue to provide cover for Ben Roberts until Michel Kuipers recovers from the injuries he received in a recent car crash.

Albion: Keeley; P. Watson, Harding, Virgo, Hinshelwood, Pethick, Marney, Pitcher, Lee, Windsor, Beck. Subs: Budd, May, Robinson, B. Watson.