David Lee made an unhappy return to Priestfield yesterday, sent off just before half time in the 1-0 defeat which ended Albion Reserves' unbeaten league record.

Lee, who had a spell with the Kent club when former Seagulls' boss Peter Taylor was in charge, was shown a straight red card by Essex referee Fred Graham for a two-footed challenge on Gillingham's Welsh under-19 striker Andrews Crofts.

It was the third time in three games Albion second string boss Dean White had seen his charges forced to play a man short and Lee now faces the prospect of serving a three-match ban.

His dismissal came just a week after young defender Adam El-Abd got his marching orders in the 1-1 draw with Colchester at Worthing.

Robbie Pethick was also dismissed in a Reserve outing recently.

Mr Graham brandished four yellow cards, two to each side.

Albion included Geoff Pitcher for his first Reserve outing since completing a loan spell at Nationwide Conference club Stevenage, while highly-rated youth team striker Jake Robinson was given his full debut in the side, which also included under-19 goalkeeper Chris May.

Gillingham preserved their 100 per cent start with the only goal of the game shortly after the interval.

Crofts converted a left wing cross past, but otherwise May showed up well.

Gillingham included veteran striker Tommy Johnson and club skipper Paul Smith in their line-up, which also featured new French goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu.

Bossu, signed from Ryman League premier division club Hayes as cover for first choice custodian Jason Brown, produced impressive saves on at least three occasions.

Chris McPhee was the first Albion player to be denied, before Pitcher saw his effort tipped over the bar by the big keeper.

Albion sent on two substitutes with another promising youngster Ben Watson coming close to grabbing an equaliser.

However, Watson's solo effort saw Bossu turn it around a post and Albion were left reflecting on their first defeat of the season in the Pontin's Holiday Combination.

Albion Reserves: May; Bridle, Harding, Virgo, El-Abd, Lee, Piercy, Pitcher, McPhee, Robinson (Watson), Windsor (Breach). Sub not used: Fillery.