Aaron Connolly suffered an injury blow as Albion under-23s returned to action after the festive break with a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Crawley tonight.

The prolific Republic of Ireland striker was forced off midway through the first half.

Seventeen-goal Connolly, linked with several clubs in recent months, has attracted loan interest as negotiations continue over a new contract.

Simon Rusk's Seagulls, with 16-year-old Haydon Roberts in midfield, fell behind shortly before the interval, Xavier Aamechi drilling Arsenal ahead via a post two days after turning 18.

Danish winger Anders Dreyer equalised 11 minutes after the break, cutting inside and firing back across goal into the bottom corner.

Dreyer gave Albion the lead on 73 minutes with a fine solo effort. A post denied him a hat-trick before Trae Coyle converted an Aamechi cross to level for Arsenal five minutes from time.

The Gunners' line-up included Brighton-born Charlie Gilmour, 19, who made his first team debut in the Europa League in November.

Albion (4-4-1-1): Keto; A. Davies, Ostigard, O'Hora, Cochrane; Dreyer (Jenks 78), Sanders, Roberts, Tilley; Gwargis (Longman 75); Connolly (Ljubicic 24).

Subs: Collings, Tanimowo.