Lee Johnson, the son of an international manager, made a dream debut for Albion last night.

The miniature midfielder celebrated his first senior appearance for the Seagulls with an early goal in a 2-0 victory against Alan Cork's Cardiff.

Dad Gary, the Latvian manager, was at Withdean to watch his 5ft 6ins offspring launch Albion towards a place in the second round southern section of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Johnson junior took just 13 minutes to make his mark with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area.

The 19-year-old, a regular in the reserves since signing on non-contract terms from Watford this season, seized his opportunity in a makeshift side as manager Micky Adams rested several key players ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash at Scunthorpe.

Johnson's father, who used to be in charge at Cambridge United, said: "It was a great start. That will always stay with him, scoring 13 minutes into his senior debut.

"He has been here for a couple of months now and he is really enjoying himself.

"You would have to ask Micky to see what future he has, but he did well and I was pleased for him as a dad."

Bob Booker, Cork's replacement as Adams' assistant, said: "It was nice for little Johno to get on the scoresheet.

"Lee is on a month-to-month with us. We have got a small squad and if opportunities come around then performances like all the lads gave will do them no harm at all."

Stand-in skipper Danny Cullip also scored in the first half with a header from a Paul Watson free-kick as Albion chalked up their sixth home win in a row.

It was an unhappy return for Cork, suffering his first defeat as Cardiff manager, and for his two former Albion players.

Goalkeeper Mark Walton was booed throughout the match, while Kurt Nogan capped a quiet display with a second half booking.

The reserves are at Norwich today in a rearranged Avon Insurance Combination League fixture (1pm).