Simon Rusk was understandably happy with how his men ground out victory at Southampton in Premier League 2 on Monday night.
A first-half cracker from Max Sanders secured a 1-0 win as the Seagulls moved up to fifth in the table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
He said, “It was a hard-fought win for us. The game wasn’t a classic, I thought it was two experienced sides who competed well.
“The clean sheet was really important, especially away from home against some big attacking threats in their side.
“We were quite a young and makeshift back four so to get that clean sheet was really pleasing and it’s something to build on. The attitude of the players was really good.”
Albion fielded a side which included a number of senior faces including Robert Sanchez, Steven Alzate, Jose Izquierdo and Jayson Molumby and Rusk was pleased with their performances.
“The attitude of the older lads who came down was brilliant. We know the qualities of Rob Sanchez, and Steven Alzate had to play in two or three positions on the night. But Steven’s body language was excellent and he got on with it.
“Jayson Molumby and Max Sanders were in the middle doing what they’re great at, and Jose Izquierdo has been good around the group as well.
“I was really pleased their application because that influences the other young players around them.”
The victory followed a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in their previous fixture.
Rusk spoke about what he’d said to the side following that defeat.
“We came into the Southampton game off the back of some difficult results so confidence perhaps wasn’t where it would be normally, but that’s understandable.
“It’s nice to see the lads enjoy three points after last week’s cruel defeat to Blackburn. After that game I told them to feel the pain and use it, to not let it define what we did against Southampton.
“Having to find a way to win and perform when you’ve had a result like Blackburn is a massive learning curve, so I’m delighted.”