Stephen Dobbie prepared for his potential full debut for Albion with a run-out in the Development League at rain and wind-lashed Lancing tonight.


  The deadline day signing from Swansea set up the first two goals in a 6-2 romp for the Seagulls against Colchester before he was substituted 16 minutes from time.


  Dobbie could start at home to Birmingham on Saturday if Craig Mackail-Smith fails to recover from a hamstring injury.


  The Scottish striker was the architect of Albion's breakthrough in the 14th minute with a sharp turn past his marker and pass for George Barker to slot in.


  Colchester equalised three minutes later, Freddie Ladapo volleying in from close range following good work down the right by Tosin Olufemi.


  Dobbie was the instigator again as Albion restored their lead in the 25th minute.


  He began a neat move which ended with Barker picking out Charlie Oatway Jnr for a free header at the far post.


  Albion went 3-1 up in the 39th minute, Toby Agdestein heading in a Marcos Painter cross after a flowing build-up from inside the Seagulls' own territory.


  Painter was unfortunate to have a second half effort disallowed for offside after Dobbie picked out his run into the box with a perfectly timed pass.


  It was a shortlived reprieve for the visitors, Oatway Jnr scoring his second and Albion's fourth in the 67th minute with a well-placed shot from 15 yards.


  Substitute Macauley Bonne fired into the roof of the net from close range (80) to reduce Colchester's arrears before Ben Sampayo set up Barker for Albion's fifth (84) and Anton Rodgers sent Barker through to complete his hat-trick (88).


  A strong Albion line-up also included captain Casper Ankergren and Lewis Dunk.


  Albion (4-1-2-3): Ankergren; Sampayo, Dunk, Jones (Akubuine 18), Painter; Rodgers; Oatway, March; Agdestein, Dobbie (Dickenson 74), Barker. Subs not used: Richards, East, Goodwin.