Former Brighton boss Simon Rusk picked up a win on his return to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre as Stockport County beat Albion’s U23’s 1-0 in a friendly yesterday afternoon.

The only goal of the game came just before the break, as striker Alex Reid headed home from a corner.

Albion went within inches of taking the lead in the 20th minute as Andrew Moran’s curling effort from the edge of the box was deflected narrowly over the bar.

Tom McGill, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Crawley then had to make a superb save to deny Ryan Rydel.

However, just before half time the visitors made the breakthrough as Rydel’s corner was bundled home inside the six-yard box by Reid.

Both sides made plenty of changes throughout the game, with Stockport making nine at the break.

Albion’s best chances in the second half fell to Jaami Qureshi and Zak Emmerson as they went in search of equaliser, with Qureshi firing narrowly wide and Emmerson seeing his effort blocked.

Albion are back in action on Friday, as they take on Reading Under-23s.

Albion line-up: McGill, Nilsson, Packham, Offiah, Turns, Sturge, Dicker, Spong, Chouchane, Moran, Ifill.

Subs used: Talley, Miller, Jackson, Hinshelwood, Jenks, Emmerson, Qureshi.