Albion had to settle for a draw at Reading – after coming from behind to lead.

An own goal from Joey Van Den Berg, who was later sent off, and Anthony Knockaert’s third strike in as many games, sent the Seagulls 2-1 up after conceding their first goal of the season.

But ex-Seagulls loanee Paul McShane levelled with a low drive just before the hour and the draw was arguably a fair result.

Albion remain unbeaten but drop to second place in the Championship behind Huddersfield.

The Argus:

John Swift's free-kick creeps in for the opener

They fell behind in only the second minute in dreadfully untidy fashion as John Swift’s free-kick from the left touchline went through a crowd of bodies and crept in.

Van Den Berg headed Knockaert’s corner into his own net four minutes later but Albion never really got going in the first half.

They made a sensational start to the second period and Knockaert fired them ahead straight after the re-start following a run and pull-back by Sam Baldock.

Yann Kermogant hit the bar for Reading before McShane drilled home low after the ball was pulled back.

David Stockdale ensured Albion would take a point as he parried Kemorgant’s overhead kick.

Albion were on the front foot near the end after Van Den Berg fouled sub Tomer Hemed as the game entered injury time and saw yellow for the second time. But they could not force a winner.