Albion boss Chris Hughton praised the impact made by the rookies in tonight's 2-1 win at Gillingham.

Hughton introduced several members of the development squad in the second half at the Priestfield Stadium.

Two of them, Joe Ward and Chike Kandi, combined to secure the Seagulls' victory, the winger signed from Chelmsford crossing for the ex-Chelsea striker to convert.

Hughton told The Argus: "It was another good test. Gillingham showed a lot of energy. We started the game very well and I was disappointed that we went behind.

"We needed to match Gillingham's workrate and enthusiasm and we died away a little bit in the second half of the first half.

"We needed to be better second half and I thought the injection of a lot of young lads gave us a bit more energy in the team.

"I was really delighted with the second goal. It was a really good and well-worked goal and a really good workout for us."