Connor Goldson is back in the thick of it for Albion – and Uwe Huenemeier’s return from injury is still firmly on course.

Those were the key developments from the club’s first venture into the Checkatrade Trophy at Southend tonight.

But it was also an evening for under-23s boss Simon Rusk to be proud of his young charges as they gave League One opposition a good battle.

Goals from David Mooney and Harry Kypriatou gave Southend a 2-0 win and three points in this first group fixture.

But Goldson enjoyed a successful 64-minute return from a knee injury playing in central defence alongside Huenemeier, who completed his first full game after eight months out with a groin problem.

Albion gave a good account of themselves and sub Ben Barclay headed on to the bar late on.

Mooney made the breakthrough in the 35th minute with Albion looking for offside.

Kypriatou struck with the help of a big deflection in the 49th minute.

Robert Lynch then produced a superb save from Simon Cox to prevent further punishment the hard-working Seagulls would not have deserved.