Albion boss Sami Hyypia expected a bigger turnout for last night's friendly defeat by Southampton at the Amex.

A crowd of 7,296, including 870 Saints supporters, saw the Seagulls lose 3-1 in Hyypia's first home game in charge and their only home pre-season friendly at the stadium.

Hyypia said: "I was expecting there would be a few more people to come to see the game but it's a great stadium and I can't wait when it's full of people.

"We will get more out of the players as well when the atmosphere is better."

Hyypia would have preferred a game tomorrow to prepare for Sheffield Wednesday's opening Championship visit on August 9 but the Southampton match was played last night to avoid a clash with the Pride festival.

Albion had two home friendlies in quick succession last year. A Saturday crowd of 12,039 watched Oscar Garcia's side against Villarreal and 10,622 attended the following Tuesday night against Norwich, four days prior to the Championship opener at Leeds.