Aldershot Town manager Tommy Widdrington was unhappy with his side’s defending in their 3-2 defeat against ten-man Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s in the National League Cup.

Goals from Marcus Ifill, Josh Duffus and Caylan Vickers gave the visitors the victory in front of a crowd of 317 at the EBB Stadium.

Widdrington was happy with his side’s attacking play, but was disappointed with their defending against the young Seagulls.

“It’s probably the story of the season, although it’s not always the same players,” said Widdrington.

“We've scored two goals at home and should win the game, simple as that.

“We dominated for long periods, simply because they (Brighton) were down to ten men from early on in the game.

“Their fitness and their Premier League athleticism kept them in the game.

“To a man the Brighton guys should take a pat on the back.

“It's a rearguard action they probably don't do too often because they usually dominate the ball.

“Some of our lads can come out with credit for the way they reacted to what was said at half-time, but some have to take a long look in the mirror.

“We were dominant most of the game but when we got to the final third I thought there was a lack of quality on the final delivery – therefore the runs into the box weren't being made.

“When those two things culminate and hit it off you score goals.

“That's what we did in the second half. We ended up being in the right places, making the right runs and the right passes, and being more positive.

“Ultimately, we polished up our final-third entries.

“We do a lot of repetitive work to make sure the same things happen in terms of repeated actions – in high-level football you need to repeat actions and things will then go your way.

“I've got no grumbles – Brighton put three in our goal and the people who keep it out need to have a look at themselves.”

James Henry scored Aldershot’s two goals on the night, and Widdrington was happy with his performance.

“It's not about individuals scoring goals but James Henry's a class act,” said Widdrington.

“I respect James and I appreciate what he brings to us.

“There were three or four lads who can take some praise from the game because they haven't played a massive amount of football for our first team and they're making their way in the game.

“I think some of our younger ones have shown our older ones how to apply themselves.”

Ryan Jones was lively on the left for Aldershot, and Widdrington was pleased with his display.

“I thought Ryan was the best player on the pitch in the second half,” said Widdrington.

“That's pleasing because Ryan's a talented lad and he needs to be working like that in every training session so he gets on the pitch more.

“He did really well down the left-hand side against some good footballers so he should take a lot from the game.”

Brighton were reduced to ten men early on when Joe Knight received a straight red card for a two-footed tackle on Hady Ghandour, and Widdrington felt it was an easy decision for referee Farai Hallam.

“He's a young lad but I don't think he gave the referee much option,” said Widdrington.

“I wouldn't question his integrity – we've all made tackles we've regretted after doing it.”

Ghandour managed to play on after the strong challenge, but he had to be replaced later on in the first half by Maxwell Mullins after suffering a head injury.

“The markings on Hady's leg are quite nasty,” said Widdrington.

“He showed some decent courage staying on the pitch because he's got a mark from his knee to his ankle.

“Then he took a clash of heads and was a little bit discombobulated so the safest thing was to get him off.

“He needed a few stitches in his head so we took him off as a precaution.

“I thought Maxi was another bright spark for us. He's gone on and looked like a presence, looked mobile and knows where the goal is.

“He was unlucky not to score at least one.”