Albion Under-23s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 2-0 win against Wolves at The People’s Pension Stadium.

A second-half brace in the space of two minutes from striker Aaron Connolly was enough to secure all three points for the Seagulls.

Wolves had the first chance of the game when Benny Ashley-Seal made a great run to glide past a couple of Albion players before firing an effort just wide of a post.

In the 22nd minute, Dion Sanderson fouled Alex Cochrane on the left flank. Max Sanders’ free-kick was only cleared as far as Anders Dreyer but his deflected effort was comfortable for Andreas Söndergaard to deal with.

Connolly, who spent part of last season on loan at Luton Town, was fouled by Wolves captain Ed Francis in the 36th minute and this time Sanders curled his free-kick effort just wide of the post.

The visitors threatened three minutes later after Meritan Shabini played the ball into the path of Ashley-Seal but his effort was well blocked by Haydon Roberts.

Just before half-time Archie Davies forced Söndergaard into action when his dangerous cross was well punched away from trouble by the Wolves keeper.

Albion went close to taking the lead in the 57th minute when Dreyer worked his way into the box before cutting the ball back to former Manchester City youngster Taylor Richards, whose effort was blocked.

The ball then fell to Sanders but his effort was well saved by Söndergaard, before Dreyer’s follow-up volley went just over the bar.

Thomas McGill was then on hand to prevent Wolves taking the lead after Taylor Perry collected the ball inside the area but had his effort was well saved down to his right by the Albion keeper.

Albion had a lucky escape with 20 minutes to go when Wolves went close to going in front after a curling Francis free-kick crashed off an upright.

Wolves were left to rue their misfortune as Simon Rusk’s Seagulls powered ahead.

Sanders whipped in a free-kick in the 74th minute which was headed across the goal by Warren O’Hora to find substitute Peter Gwargis – but his effort was blocked for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece the ball found its way to Connolly who turned and put his effort into the top corner.

Albion made it two just a couple of minutes later.

This time Connolly was picked out by Steven Alzate and the striker calmly lifted his effort over the onrushing Söndergaard.

Albion: McGill, Cox, O’Hora, Roberts, A.Davies, Sanders, Dreyer (Longman, 87), Alzate, Cochrane (Gwargis, 45), Connolly, Richards (J.Davies 72). Subs not used: Desbois, Radulovic.