Player ratings: Stevenage v Brighton & Hove Albion

Stevenage

1) Jamie Jones: 7. Brighton were a threat throughout the match even if their attacks were intermittent. Steady game from the former Preston man who will be looking to consolidate his consistent performances when it really matters early next month.

5) Fraser Franks: 7.5. The dependable defender looks set for another consistent and quietly impressive season if his showing in the heat today is anything to go by. Reads the game well and never panics. Good in the air with an effective technique.

6) Luke Wilkinson: 7.5. A solid presence who transmits a calm authority to his defensive colleagues. Consistent. Cleared off the line in the first half.

7) Jobi McAnuff. 7. The former Reading man told me this week he’s looking forward to playing as much as he can this season. A quiet game as he looks to get game time under his belt but undoubtedly a class act, and a great acquisition for the club.

8) Charlie Lee: 7. The combative midfielder never gives anything less than his all in every game and will be an important cog in the side during the coming season. Wasn’t as influential as he would have liked in attacking terms but he still played his part in breaking up Brighton’s offensive endeavours.

10) Rowan Liburd: 7. The powerfully built youngster signed from Reading showed superb composure in accelerating to take the ball round an advancing Stockdale to aim the ball into the net from an acute angle to make it 1-0. Subbed straight afterwards due to injury much to his – and the crowd’s – disappointment.

22) Tom Conlon: 6.5. Boss Darren Sarll told me this week he’s expecting his youngsters to kick on this year, and the Stoke-born Conlon was one of the players he mentioned. Looking like he’s spent time in the gym filling out, Conlon has a bright future – but it’s time to deliver. The run-out will have done him good in the sapping heat. Subbed.

18) Michael Tonge: 7. This experienced pro gave his all as temperatures soared, to prove yet again he is football’s equivalent of Peter Pan – even if he’ll be welcoming the end of the heatwave.

19) Dean Wells: 7. Part of a well-organised, well-drilled backline. Another who gives his all – as you would expect of any team managed by Darren Sarll. Subbed for Johnson

24) Matt Godden: 7. Unlucky with an intelligent run into the box that saw Stockdale thwart him. The game time will have helped him no end. Subbed for Luke Slater.

25) Ronnie Henry: 7. Calm head, and a good leader who was always available to give and receive the ball. Does the simple things well, on top of his attacking instincts. Subbed for Gray.

Subs

12) Tom Pett: 6.5. Was told to be more selfish this week by manager Sarll. A quality act who has good pace, power and technique but is also defensively aware. He is due for a big season, let’s hope he can deliver on his undoubted talent.

13) Mark McKee. On for Tonge. Not enough time to make a mark.

14) Liam Brady. Didn’t play – but if this young Irish academy lad is anywhere near as good as his illustrious Arsenal namesake he’ll be a superstar.

17 Dale Gorman. Looked hungry when he came on.

20 Dipo Akikyemi: 6.5. Came on for the unfortunate Liburd moments after the former Reading man made it 1-0 with a cool finish. Boss Sarll told me Dipo is in his plans – but the raw youngster still has a lot to learn. Another for the future but if he has the right attitude, works hard and attains the hoped-for progression he has a big future in the game. Unlucky with a shot that hit the post in the second half.

22) Jamie Gray: On for Henry late on.

27) Ryan Johnson: Came on with a few minutes remaining.

Brighton and Hove Albion

13) David Stockdale: 7. Fulham’s former Premier League keeper is a class act. Commanded his area well, vocal, and a good organiser – even if he looked a little rusty in closing down the onrushing Liburd for the goal – it was no wonder he was called up to England squads, albeit never winning a cap. With a solid defence in front of him, and with what Seagulls fans hope will finally be a promotion clinching season with a classy squad, the new Three Lions manager could do worse than take another look at him. Subbed.

2) Bruno Saltor: 7. Solid and unflappable with a good technique evidenced by effective distribution. Looks set fair for a good season on this display.

7) Beram Kayal: 6. Possesses good vision, as witnessed by his perceptive square ball in the opening stages to tee up Lualua who should have done better. But showed the dark side of his game by diving in an attempt to win a penalty early on.

9) Sam Baldock: 7. Eager and full of running. A quality player who scored five times in his first six starts for West Ham United even if he never fulfilled that early promise for the Premier team. An elegant, talented player who is pleasing on the eye.

10) Tomer Hemed: 6. A bright start but faded somewhat in the heat. He wasn’t the only one. Sluggish when Wells blocked a chance but to be fair the temperatures sapped endurance.

15) Jamie Murphy: 6. A quiet game in the heatwave conditions but will be glad of the extra minutes preparation ahead of Brighton’s final preseason game against Lazio next week and Derby County in their first Championship game.

22) Danny Holla: 5.5. A quiet game in the sun but will have to step up if he wants regular game time next season.

23) Liam Rosenior: 6.5. The son of powerful Leroy, the experienced former England U21 international used the ball intelligently and showed good fitness in his eagerness to supplement Seagulls’ attacks.

25) Kazenga Lualua: 6.5. An early chance for the nippy forward but his strong shot was blocked. Had a later shot cleared off the line by

26) Ben Hall: 7. Tall and elegant. Showed good positioning and offered a calm presence at the back. The former Motherwell player has played at every level from juniors to U17 for Northern Ireland. One very much to watch next season.

28) Rob Hunt: 6. Another who had a quiet game, but will be better for the experience.

Subs

31) Robert Sanchez: 6.5. On for Stockdale. Didn’t make a mistake.

8) Dessie Hutchinson.

12) Jack Harper,

14) Connor Tighe.

18) Joe Ward.

19) Sam Adekugbe.

21) James Tilley.

29) Bradley Roscoe.

30) Jonah Ayunga.