Albion under 21's made a winning start in the Final Third Development League Cup at Lancing today.

Goals in each half by Jesse Starkey and skipper Glen Rea earned Simon Ireland's side a 2-0 victory over MK Dons in their opening group game at Culver Road.

Starkey gave them an early lead with a low drive.

Rea, operating as a defensive midfielder, finished off a well-worked move after the break to seal the win.

Experienced third-choice goalkeeper Casper Ankergren kept a comfortable clean sheet in a rare outing for the Dane and Danny Pappoe returned at centre-half from a three-match suspension.

The under-21's still have group games to play at Luton next week, away to Gillingham and at home to AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge United. The top two progress to the semi-finals of the Football League competition, which is open to all registered players regardless of age.

Albion (4-1-2-3): Ankergren; Barry, Pappoe, Dallison, Hunt; Rea; Wiltshire, Starkey; Davis (Deen 58), Harris, Cole. Subs not used: Smith, Horncastle, Meyers, Larusson.