Kazenga LuaLua faces a ban after seeing red for Albion last night.

But it will not affect the winger's hopes of forcing his way back into first team contention following injury.

LuaLua was sent-off in the closing stages of the under-21s' 2-1 victory away to AFC Wimbledon in the Football League Trophy, which clinched a place in tomorrow morning's last 16 draw.

Referee Charles Breakspear issued a straight red card on the advice of his assistant for a gesture by LuaLua to the crowd.

The ensuing suspension for the former Newcastle wide man, continuing his comeback from knee cartilage surgery, does not apply to first team fixtures.

The Argus:

Richie Towell scores the winner from the spot

Fellow senior pros Niki Maenpaa, Rohan Ince, Richie Towell and Elvis Manu also had run-outs alongside some of Simon Rusk's young prospects.

Manu and Towell (penalty) scored the Seagulls' first half goals. Maenpaa made several important saves and Ince, playing in the centre of defence, starred in his first appearance since the death of his dad.

Rusk said: "He was outstanding. It was a very professional performance. The senior boys gave us a lot.

 

"I'm pleased for Rohan. He gave a good display. I am sure that is something he can enjoy, given the difficult time he's had personally."

German central defender Uwe Huenemeier, involved in the group stages of the competition, has suffered an arm injury in training.

Huenemeier has not played for Albion in the Championship for nearly a year after suffering serious groin damage against Middlesbrough at the Amex.