Oldham 1 Brighton 3

Last updated : 09 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Brighton's new strike pairing got off to a dream start as the Seagulls launched their season with a 3-1 victory.

Bobby Zamora's departure to Tottenham had fans wondering where the goals would come from but Darius Henderson and Leon Knight came up with an instant answer.

Both loan signings got off the mark with Reading centre forward Henderson converting a penalty and Chelsea's Knight bagging two.

Crisis club Oldham battled hard but their inexperienced squad only managed a late consolation from Paul Murray.

Albion boss Steve Coppell said, "Darius and Leon are both quality players - I wish they were ours permanently. Darius adds a physical presence, which we sometimes lack and Leon was very lively.

"The result flattered us a bit because we weren't playing too well before the penalty, which probably knocked Oldham down slightly.

"Oldham showed a lot of spirit and we still have a long way to go before we can start thinking about the top of the table." Latics had a number of trainees and non-contract players in their 16 and manager Iain Dowie was pleased with their efforts.

"I couldn't have asked for more," he said. "We don't fear anyone when we can put out a full strength team, although I am not sure when that will be because of all our injuries and we also need a few new bodies." Oldham had an early sight at goal through Scott Vernon, but they fell behind after 23 minutes when Danny Boshell accidentally handled in the area and Henderson slotted in the controversial spot-kick.

The home team then lost two more players through injury and suffered another setback before the break as Richard Carpenter crossed from the right and Knight got behind the defence to steer in a header from close range.

It was three after 62 minutes with a free kick causing chaos in the Oldham defence and Knight popping up on the line to bundle in his second.

Brighton took their foot off the gas and Oldham responded eight minutes from time when a long ball bounced through to Murray who headed over Albion goalkeeper Ben Roberts.