Albion’s winless run stretched to five games today against a Barnsley side who finished with ten men.

But a dour 0-0 draw at Oakwell was brightened by the return to action of Craig Mackail-Smith after more than a year out through injury.

The Seagulls survived two scares in the openeing period of the second half but will be disappointed they did not do more in the latter stages to grab the points.

Ryan McLaughlin sent a looping header against Albion’s crossbar soon after the break.

And Jean Yves M’voto powered a header inches wide with Tomasz Kuszczak beaten after Tom Kennedy whipped in a superb cross.

Kelvin Etuhu blocked a goalbound Leo Ulloa shot moments later.

But Etuhu was sent off on 76 minutes for his second bookable offence in quick succession, both on sub Kazenga LuaLua.

LuaLua’s resulting free-kick flashed inches wide from 25 yards.

Home keeper Luke Steele later parried an effort from similar range from the same player.

But that was the extent of Albion's threat against the ten men.

Mackail-Smith made his long-awaited comeback in the 78th minute in place of Jesse Lingard.

The first half was dull although Kuszczak had to dive to his left to hold a Dale Jennings curler.

Solly March, on his first away start in the Championship, produced some moments of promise with his clever footwork.