Wayne Gray, Albion's new loan ranger, came in for his debut in Saturday's crucial clash with Colchester at Layer Road.

The 21-year-old Wimbledon Reserve striker was signed on Wednesday, 24 hours ahead of the transfer deadline, as cover for the injured Bobby Zamora.

The Seagulls' goal machine was watching from the stands after dislocating his left shoulder in last Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Notts County.

Zamora is expected to miss a further two matches, so Gray could have a key role to play in the promotion run-in.

Seagulls face a chronic striker shorter.

Daniel Webb, Gray's partner at Layer Road, begins a two-match ban on Monday and Lee Steele is suspended for the last two matches against Swindon and Port Vale.

Colchester were forced into a couple of changes to the team which drew 0-0 at Wycombe last Saturday.

The injured Graham Barrett and David Gregory were replaced by Alan White and Karl Duguid.

Both of the mid-table Essex club's deadline-beating signings were on the bench.

Charlie MacDonald is a 21-year-old forward on loan from Charlton, while keeper Richard Knight arrived from Oxford in a swap deal with Andy Woodman.

The game began in bright sunshine after a few showers before kick-off.

Colchester: Simon Brown; Con Blatsis, Scott Fitzgerald, Alan White, Joe Keith, Micky Stockwell, Kem Izzet, Thomas Pinault, Karl Duguid, Kevin Rapley, Scott McGleish. Subs: Knight, Coote, Morgan, Bowry, MacDonald.

Albion: Michel Kuipers; Paul Watson, Kerry Mayo, Danny Cullip, Simon Morgan, Junior Lewis, Gary Hart, Paul Brooker, Richard Carpenter, Wayne Gray, Daniel Webb. Subs: Oatway, N. Jones, Hadland, Lee, Pethick.

Referee: Mr P. Jones (Leicestershire).