IAN Culverhouse made a losing start as reserve team coach last night.

But there was plenty of cause for encouragement in Albion's unfortunate 1-0 defeat by Charlton at boggy Woodside Road.

Charlton, coached by former Albion favourite Gary Stevens, snatched victory with an 86th minute goal by Matt Holmes.

The Seagulls had the better chances and there were several good individual performances on a dreadful Worthing pitch.

Darragh Ryan's passing stood out in the first half, youth team goalkeeper Will Packham proved an accomplished stand-in for Mark Ormerod and there was a sound display by Ian Chapman, who started the match as sweeper and ended it at left wingback.

Both trialists had eventful debuts. Striker Dwayne Minors was booked against his old club, had a second half goal disallowed for offside, then limped off as Albion finished with ten men after Culverhouse had used all three substitutes.

Former Portsmouth and Doncaster midfielder Stuart Doling was also booked and went off injured late on.

Albion reserves: Packham; Ansah, Mills, Smith, Chapman, Hobson, Doling, Browne, Moralee, Minors, Ryan. Subs: Ottley and Davis for Hobson and Mills (withdrawn 58), Wilkinson for Doling (injured 84).

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