David Stockdale kicked off his pre-season with an hour against Stevenage today.

But he could help stave off a 1-0 defeat in the Seagulls’ second friendly of the day.

Stockdale’s build-up to the Championship campaign has been hindered by an infected toe.

But he made a couple of sharp saves when called upon on his return today.

Albion played a lot of neat football in the first half and got into some good positions.

But they were lacking a killer touch and were punished in the 31st minute.

Home striker Rowan Liburd was sent in behind the defence and rounded Stockdale before scoring from quite a tight angle.

Stockdale had early got a touch to a Matt Godden effort, with Ben Hunt doing well to ensure Tom Conlon did not get a touch to the resulting loose ball as it drifted across goal.

The Albion keeper got down sharply to his left on half-time to push away a blast by Fraser Franks from outside the area.

But the Seagulls, with skipper Bruno operating alongside Ben Hall at centre-back, had most of the first-half play.

Kazenga LuaLua was denied by goalkeeper Jamie Jones in a one-on-one and, seconds later, saw a drive kicked off the line by Luke Wilkinson.

Beram Kayal and LuaLua both flashed efforts over the bar.

And Sam Baldock dragged a shot wide after Danny Holla’s fine pass sent him away to the right of goal.

Albion had a couple of escapes in the second half but should have levelled when Hemed headed over from point blank range.

Albion: Stockdale (Sanchez 60); Rosenior, Bruno, Hall (Roscoe 73), Hunt (Adekugbe 80); Murphy (Ward 80), Holla (Tighe 80), Kayal (Hutchinson 80), LuaLua (Tilley 80); Hemed (Ayunga 88), Baldock (Harper 73).