Albion's clean sheet habit under Chris Hughton has been emulated by the under-21s.

The Seagulls have enjoyed successive shut-out wins at Brentford and Charlton since Hughton took charge.

Now the development team have followed suit with a 0-0 draw at Luton Town today in the League Cup after kicking off the year by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at the Amex.

Frenchman Jeremy Balmy, back with Albion on trial two-and-a-half years after playing in a friendly at Hastings, headed over a good chance just before the interval in the clash at Kenilworth Road.

Winger Jeffrey Monakana, making his comeback from a loan spell at Aberdeen, went close early in the second half with a shot just wide.

Keeper Harry Doherty was busy, especially after the break, but Albion are well-placed to qualify from their group after beating MK Dons in their opening game last month. They have matches to come against Gillingham, Cambridge United and AFC Wimbledon.