Solly March is back in action for Albion.

The England under-21 winger played the first 45 minutes of tonight’s Premier League Two match against Aston Villa at Crawley.

He helped the Seagulls’ under-23s take a 1-0 half-time lead in their second league game of the season.

March, sidelined by a serious knee injury since last December, reported no problems after completing his comeback appearance.

He has now targeted the under-23s’ home game against Fulham at the Amex on Friday.

March played on the left wing tonight and was up against Tom Leggett, a 20-year-old former Southampton right-back who has played for Wales under-18s.

Watched by first team boss Chris Hughton, March got away a couple of times to deliver crosses and also slid into a tackle. He left the action, as planned, after 45 minutes.

Jesse Starkey headed Albion in front after Will Collar's shot bounced back off the bar.

Jordan Lyden levelled for Villa early in the second half and the Seagulls had Jayson Molumby sent-off for a second yellow card - a shuddering late challenge - just before the end.

Albion: Sanchez; Collar, Barclay, Hall, Hornby-Forbes; Ward, Molumby, Hutchinson, March (Bjordal 46); Starkey (Ayunga 81), Harper (Tilley 65). Unused subs: Vose, Cadman.