Albion Manager Martin Hinshelwood heaped praise on debut boy Dean Hammond last night as the makeshift Seagulls went out of the Worthington Cup.

Teenager Hammond celebrated his first start by giving Albion a shock eighth minute lead in the 3-1 defeat by Ipswich at Portman Road.

The 19-year-old midfielder from Hastings got on the end of a Paul Watson free kick which was missed by Ipswich keeper Andy Marshall.

Hinshelwood said: "You tell people to get into those areas and something might come of them.

"We believe in Dean, he is a quality footballer. He has got to work on his celebration for the goal, but he has got a great future in the game."

Hammond, preferred to Steve Melton, said: "I was excited and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great game to play in.

"I am not renowned for my goalscoring, so it was a bit of a surprise. I saw the ball late, stuck my leg out and it went in. I didn't know how to celebrate.

"The team played well as a unit and we had good spells in the game."

Albion, missing nine players, made their exit at the second round stage of the competition to first half goals by Darren Bent (13), Pablo Counago (22) and Darren Ambrose (45).

Hinshelwood said: "We had a crazy ten to 15 minutes after scoring when we tried to chase the ball. Ipswich are a very good side with quality players and we paid for that.

"I was really pleased with the second half. Andy Petterson made some good saves and we created some chances. They played in the Premiership last season and you have got to remember that. They won't be far away at the end of the season."

Ipswich boss George Burley relieved by his team's first win for five games, said: "Brighton are a very hard working side and very competitive. Our players have got to adjust from Premiership football, which is much more open.

"These games are never easy. Cheltenham won at Norwich in the last round. We did the job in the first half and young Darren Bent on another day could have scored four or five."

John Piercy joined Albion's list of casualties. His second appearance for the club was cut short by a kick on the leg.

Albion's home game against Sheffield United, originally put back to Sunday October 20 due to park and ride difficulties at Withdean, has now reverted to Saturday October 19.

Full match report at thisthealbion.co.uk