Potter praises Brighton’s spirit after

Graham Potter hailed his Brighton side’s character after a late own goal by Watford’s Adrian Mariappa ensured the points were shared in a draw at the Amex. Abdoulaye Doucoure, who scored an own goal when the sides met on the opening day of the season, capitalised on a loose ball, before driving the ball expertly past Mathew Ryan.

Just as the Hornets looked to be heading for a crucial victory, an Alireza Jahanbakhsh cross was turned into the roof of his own net by Mariappa to level the tie with just over 10 minutes remaining.

On his side’s ability to dig in after going a goal down, Potter said: “That’s really important, that’s why I’m really proud of them today because when you go behind, especially at home, and in the importance of the game, things get edgy and nervy and that’s understandable.

“I’m delighted with the character of the players and the spirit that they showed and, even though we’re disappointed with two points in the past two games, there’s a lot to be really, really happy with.” He added: “In the end I think we deserved the goal and whilst we’re disappointed with one point, we take it and we move forward.”

Brighton started the brighter of the two sides, and Glenn Murray had a chance from a Solly

March cross, but his headed effort lacked power and did not trouble Ben Foster.

The home side were caught out in the 19th minute and Watford made the most of a misplaced pass to take the lead with their first shot of the match.

The ball fell to Doucoure who drove his way through the Seagulls defence, before firing a powerful effort past Ryan in the Brighton goal.

Brighton came close to levelling the match at the start of the second half, but Ezequiel Schelotto’s ball across the box was just ahead of the sliding