By Luke Nicoli, at Culver Road

Mauricio Taricco made an impressive return to action as Albion's reserves endured a frustrating night at Culver Road.

Albion's assistant manager, 37, donned his boots for the first time since retiring from the game in 2004 and put in a cultured first-half display at left-back.

Midfield trialist Diego Camacho - who has La Liga experience with Sporting Gijon, Valladolid and Levante - also made his bow in a game Albion dominated in terms of possession but could not convert into goals.

Striker Chris Holroyd came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes but his scuffed effort deflected onto a post and into the arms of Gills keeper Lance Cronin.

With Taricco replaced at half-time by James Smith, Albion continued to boss the game and went close through a goalbound Andrew Whing header that was cleared to safety by Jack Evans.

Evans was also the visitors' saviour as he blocked a fierce drive from Jake Caskey while sub Leon Redwood saw two long-range drives well held by Cronin.

Holroyd also flashed an effort inches wide late on but the game almost had a sting in the tail as Albion keeper Mitch Walker did well to palm Luke Rooney's low drive to safety.

There was still time for Caskey to clip the crossbar - an effort which summed up Albion's evening - but coach Charlie Oatway was pleased with the side's overall display and in particular Taricco's performance

He told seagulls.co.uk, "You could tell the man's played at the highest level and to come back after such a long absence, I take my hat off to him.

"He's got the courage to come back and certainly the ability, and that showed out on the pitch tonight.

"I sincerely hope to see him playing for us again - it's a fantastic opportunity for our younger players to watch and learn from him. He oozes class and knowledge of the game."

Albion: (4-5-1) Walker; Whing Cook, Hall (Redwood 50), Taricco (James Smith 46); Hart, Battipiedi, Camacho (Thomson 74), Caskey, Baz; Holroyd. Subs not used: Barker, Godfrey (GK).