Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke opened the scoring for the Seagulls with a close range finish from Valentin Barco's corner but Verdy soon hit back with a fine team goal, finished by Yudai Kimura. Albion's £35m summer signing from Newcastle Yankuba Minteh scored his second goal from two games with a very nice finish after good build up play between Danny Welbeck and Ibrahim Osman. Brighton’s gain is certainly Newcastle’s loss after the Magpies sold Minteh due to FFP rules.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler changed all 10 outfield players for the second half but Simon Adingra quickly hit their third with a first time finish from Facundo Buoanotte's accurate cross. It was a lively encounter and Verdy provided a stiff test as they reduced the deficit with a far post header from Naoki Hayashi. But Brighton claimed their fourth thanks to Jeremy Sarmiento’s instinctive finished after Facundo Buoanotte’s driving run.
Here’s how the players rated…
13. Imari Samuels 7
Played on the left of the defence after the break. Strong in the tackle and looks a composed and physical defender. Was on loan at Fleetwood last term. Great cross for on 86 minutes which almost set up O'Mahoney. Photo: Masashi Hara
14. Adam Webster - 6
Came on in the second half and his first outing under Hurzeler. Building up his fitness. Photo: GLYN KIRK
15. Jenson Weir - 6
Once again played a central defence role as he did against Antlers. Another whose future this summer is uncertain. Looks quite good as a defender. Photo: Masashi Hara
16. Odeluga Offiah 6
Had his work cut out in the second half against a lively Verdy attack. Was quite exposed but defended pretty well in one-on-one situations. Photo: Mike Hewitt