Chris Hughton was encouraged by Albion’s latest pre-season display, despite a narrow defeat.

The Seagulls went down 1-0 at Southampton behind closed doors today.

Sam McQueen fired a pinpoint winner low past Niki Maenpaa right on full-time after a terrific run by Saido Mane.

There had earlier been chances at both ends.

Albion fielded two different XIs with Dale Stephens enjoying a first run out of pre-season but David Stockdale missing out through illness.

Saints sent out their senior side for an hour.

Hughton said:”It’s about fitness and trying to get some structure but of course when you play a game you want to get a result and I thought we deserved one.

“There were a lot of positives for us.”