Kazenga LuaLua's second-half strike proved the difference as Brighton & Hove Albion kicked off their Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
A lively affair at The Amex saw both sides strike the post inside the opening 25 minutes, while Dorus de Vries pulled off a world-class save to keep out Tomer Hemed's headed attempt.
Albion always looked to be the side on top, however, and they were duly rewarded when LuaLua struck the ball low and hard beyond the reach of De Vries five minutes after the restart to earn the points.
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the opening clash of the Football League season below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the opening Football League fixture of the season between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest.
That's right, the English football season is now officially back - and what a season we appear to be in for! Whether it is the top of the Championship or the bottom of League Two, we can expect drama aplenty between now and May.
In terms of tonight's curtain-raiser, both sides endured disappointing campaigns last time out, so getting off to a positive start at The Amex will be imperative to keep supporters fully on board.
Before taking a look at the second tier in further depth, let's get straight into things and check out some team news from the South Coast.
TEAM NEWS!
BRIGHTON XI: Stockdale; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Bong; March, Stephens, Kayal, LuaLua; Hemed, Baldock
FOREST XI: De Vries; Lichaj, Mancienne, Hobbs, Mills; Fox, Lansbury, Antonio, Tesche, Ward; Blackstock
The home side line up as you would expect in large, with Gordon Greer and Lewis Dunk forming a solid partnership in the middle of defence. Cameroon international left-back Gaetan Bong starts at left-back, while there is also a debut for Tomer Hemed up top.
Only five teams let in fewer goals than Brighton last season, so retaining their star centre-back duo will provide the Seagulls with a huge boost heading into this new campaign. It is the pairing of Hemed and Sam Baldock up top which will provide particular interest this evening, however, with the latter bringing with him plenty of European pedigree.
In terms of the visitors, they have named a somewhat familiar looking starting lineup in terms of the core squad. Key players Andy Reid and Britt Assombalonga still remain absent, meaning that there is pressure on Dexter Blackstock to find his feet from the off this evening.
Michael Antonio and Henri Lansbury still remain from last season, and both players start from the off as expected at The Amex. The goalkeeper jersey was up for grabs heading into tonight's opener, but Dorus de Vries has been given the nod between the sticks.
BENCH WATCH!
BRIGHTON SUBS: Maenpaa, Calderon, Rea, Rosenior, Forster-Caskey, Ince, O'Grady
FOREST SUBS: Evtimov, Paterson, Vaughan, Walker, Burke, Riera, Grant
Brighton do have some quality options to call upon from the bench, however - most notably Jake Forster-Caskey, who endured a disappointing summer with the England Under-21s squad. Rohan Ince and Chris O'Grady can also be utilised from the bench should they be required.
Switching attention to the Reds, and boss Dougie Freedman has opted to leave winger Chris Burke on the bench. Forest certainly have players who know this division well among their back-ups, with David Vaughan and Jamie Paterson also among the matchday squad.
The setting for this evening's opening Championship fixture of the campaign:
Well I touched on the pairing of Baldock and Hemed a little earlier - a duo which could pay dividends for Brighton during the course of the season. The latter of the two will need to improve on his strike tally from last season, having found the net four times, while Israeli international Hemed scored eight goals in 35 outings at Almeria.
That may not sound like the finest tally, but when taking into consideration that the Andalusian outfit finished second from bottom in La Liga, Hemed may just have the pedigree to hit form in English football. A lack of goals almost cost Albion last time out, so they will need to rectify that this time around.
Forest have been restricted by a transfer embargo, meanwhile, yet it has not stopped them bringing in Jamie Ward and Matt Mills on free contracts - two players who can certainly do a job at this level. But it's through Lansbury and Antonio where Forest will really look to cause a threat.
DID YOU KNOW? Forest have won each of their last three season-openers, conceding just one goal in the last nine. Brighton, on the other hand, have lost on the opening day in each of the last three seasons.
Well it was ultimately disappointment for both of these sides last time out, with each failing to match expectations. Brighton struggled at the tail end of the campaign which hardly provided further hope moving forward, but Chris Hughton saw his side lose just one game during pre-season.
That pre-season programme culminated in a 1-0 victory over Europa League holders Sevilla in their final outing last week. Hemed scored the winning goal from the spot in that one to see the Seagulls end their summer friendlies on a real high.
Forest saw their push to the playoffs under new boss Freedman come to an end, following a run of no wins in nine at the end of last season. The former Reds player was given a chance to put his spin on things during the summer, bringing in a couple of those aforementioned new faces to help provide some additional quality.
The City Ground outfit drew each of their last three pre-season outings, the most recent of which was a highly-entertaining 3-3 draw against near-neighbours Aston Villa last week. You can never read too much into friendly results, of course, but that may suggest that Freedman's side will make themselves tough to beat this term.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Brighton have won just one of the last seven fixtures between the two sides. The first of last season's meeting ended as a goalless draw at the City Ground, while they played out a five-goal thriller in the reverse match here back in February.
Here is a quick glance at the other fixtures taking place this weekend in the Championship:
As ever, there is plenty of excitement as we prepare to get the 2015-16 campaign underway. It is never easy to predict the outcome at either end of the division, but we have tried to do exactly that with our previews which can be found right here.
Derby and Middlesbrough have been backed by many to go up, while relegated clubs Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Hull City will also be hopeful of claiming a playoff berth at the very least. Factor in those who came so close last time out, such as Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and you have a real potent mix.
But what about Forest and Brighton? Realistically, a top-half finish may be as good as it gets for both sides, yet you certainly would not bet on either escaping the division come May. A good start does not necessarily guarantee success, however, with the Reds themselves making a storming start 12 months ago only to slip away under former boss Stuart Pearce.
PREDICTION! Right, with kickoff now just five minutes or so away, it is time to turn attention back towards tonight's fixture. I am expecting a cagey affair on the whole, with both sides not wanting to lose their opening match. Forest and Brighton have players in their squad who can cause danger, including the recruits brought in over the summer, but I am going with a 1-1 draw at The Amex.
Just a recap on the team news: Brighton have two debutants this evening - Bong and Hemed - while Forest include Ward and Mills in their starting lineup. Lansbury skippers the visitors against a side in which he has scored more goals against than any other.
Both sets of players are now out on the field, with the start of the new Football League campaign just a few moments away.
KICKOFF! Brighton get us underway at a sun-kissed Amex stadium. The hosts are looking to start with a high tempo in an attempt to get their season off to a dream start.
Brighton have seen a lot of the ball in these early stages, but haven't done a great deal with it in fairness. Forest perhaps just looking to sit back and soak up some pressure.
SAVE! An early stop for De Vries to make. It was a decent move from the home side; March cutting in from the right and picking out LuaLua, who in turn fired in an angled drive on goal which the Forest stopper did well to handle down low.
Incidentally, Baldock looks to be playing as more of a No.10 as far as Brighton are concerned, with Hemed further forward to feed off his teammate.
OFF THE POST! Forest haven't seen a great deal of the ball inside the opening 10 minutes, but they have come within the width of the post of opening the scoring. Lansbury stood over a free kick 25 yards from goal, which he grazed against the upright.
A lively enough start on the South Coast, then, in which both sides have come close to finding a way through. Brighton look better on the ball, but as Lansbury highlighted a few minutes ago, that counts for little if you fail to get it in the box.
YELLOW CARD! Eric Lichaj has earned an early booking for his challenge on LuaLua. Kayal's subsequent free kick from the edge of the box was deflected well over.
Bong bursts down the left wing and hangs a delightful cross for a teammate to latch on to, but Fox did just about enough at the back-post area to prevent exactly that from happening. In the end the ball sailed straight through untouched.
Stephens is caught late by Lansbury, which looked a certain yellow card to me. The Forest midfielder has got away with it on this occasion, unlike Lichaj a little while ago who entered the referee's book.
SHOT! Stephens had a pop from the free kick he won, with his attempt being deflected over. Brighton kept the pressure on, though, and LuaLua again tested De Vries down low with a shot. It was simple enough for the Forest keeper, but a save to make nonetheless.
SAVE! Hemed flicks a cross goalwards, but again it was never going to be enough to get the better of De Vries down the middle. Up the other end, Blackstock headed wide from a rare Forest attack.
OFF THE POST! Well the post-hit count has now been levelled up, as Kayal's shot from 20 yards out has smacked the frame and gone to safety.
A great set-piece delivery from Stephens on the left is just about dealt with by the visitors, who are happy to concede a corner. Forest are being pinned further and further back now.
Just 1,655 more games to come in the Football League between now and mid-May:
Forest have to defend another Brighton attack, but Antonio was then able to break up the other end and force a fine save out of Stockdale. The strike from range had plenty of dip on it and, even though it may have been dropping narrowly wide, the Albion keeper was taking no chances.
YELLOW CARD! Dale Stephens now levels the card count, too, after attempting to trip Antonio during that Forest attack.
SAVE! So Brighton are very much the side in control, as De Vries pushes Stephens' looping header over the bar. Again, it may not even have been on target, but the keeper didn't want to risk it.
CLOSE! This game deserves a goal, and we nearly got it after the lively LuaLua found Baldock, who looked to pick his spot from the edge of the area. He failed to find the target, however, with another decent opening going begging.
SHOT! Another attempt on goal, this time by Forest's Ward. The strike was comfortable enough for Stockdale, as Tesche receives some treatment off the ball.
Tesche is unable to continue this one. The Forest midfielder is currently walking around on the field, unable to run. David Vaughan is limbering up on the sidelines ready to come on.
FOREST SUB: Indeed, Wales international David Vaughan is the man to replace Tesche. The substitute is likely to sit alongside Mancienne in a defensive midfield position.
YELLOW CARD! A really strong challenge from Kayal on Lansbury sees him become the third player to earn a first-half caution.
This is the first time in a long while that the game has fizzled out slightly. We have seen plenty of action, albeit without the additional quality needed in front of goal, but it looks like this one will remain goalless at the break.
Baldock is left frustrated after seeing a move come to an end thanks to the referee's whistle. Advantage was certainly needed on that occasion, but it wasn't to be. Two minutes of added time left to play at the end of this first half.
SAVE! What a save from De Vries! We are only 45 minutes into the season, but that will be a contender for save of the season. Hemed helps March's cross goalwards with his head, yet from three yards out he failed to get the better of the Dutchman. Superb!
HALF TIME: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 0-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST
A goalless opening 45 minutes at The Amex, then, but a contest with plenty of action so far. We have seen the post struck at either end, three yellow cards handed out and a real contender for save of the season by De Vries.
Brighton have had the better of things in terms of possession, testing De Vries numerous times between the sticks. It had all been pretty straightforward for the Dutchman, however, up until Hemed's header on the brink of the interval, which he did superbly to claw away.
Before that, Lansbury had skimmed the outside of the post up the other end in a rare Forest attack. Blackstock headed wide the only other real chance for his side, while Antonio saw his long-range drive pushed aside by Stockdale.
Kayal was the man to strike the post for the home side, crashing his 20-yard shot back off the base of the woodwork in the other big talking point of the half. It has all been pretty frantic on the whole, but it is Brighton who will be the happier of the two at the break.
Here is a reminder of both benches, which could come in handy with the scoreline currently locked at 0-0. Forest have already been forced into one change; Vaughan replacing Tesche six minutes before the interval.
BRIGHTON SUBS: Maenpaa, Calderon, Rea, Rosenior, Forster-Caskey, Ince, O'Grady
FOREST SUBS: Evtimov, Paterson, Walker, Burke, Riera, Grant
Those stats will certainly have to improve if Forest are to wrestle control in this second half:
RESTART! Right, we are back underway at The Amex. Forest certainly need to keep the ball better, but the second half has started in the same manner with Albion on top.
LuaLua is again involved on the right, teeing up Kayal for a piledriver of a shot on the edge of the box. Mancienne was equal to it, though, by diving in the way of the effort.
The attendance has just been confirmed as 24,623 (1556 away), which is certainly not bad going for the second tier.
GOAL! BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (LUALUA)
Brighton have lift off in the 2015-16 Championship season! LuaLua has impressed me this evening on the wing and, while his first couple of attempts in the first half were easily dealt with, this strike across De Vries had too much on it for the Dutchman to halt. The wideman worked an angle and directed his low shot into the bottom corner.
Forest have been playing far too deep, particularly since the restart, which they simply have to change now that they are chasing a goal. Brighton are looking to push up high, though, which is making life tough for the visitors.
SHOT! A long punt up field is well latched on to by Antonio, who manages to get a shot away on the edge of the box which sails over the bar. That's better from the Reds.
Lansbury puts plenty of power behind his angled free kick, which was heading for the back of the net if Stockdale hadn't got a touch to it. Forest beginning to build some pressure on their opponents, as they earn another set-piece within shooting distance.
YELLOW CARD! Fox bends his attempt well over the target, which is a huge disappointment for the visitors. Baldock was shown a yellow card in the build-up to that free kick for failing to retreat.
Brighton have not done a great deal since going ahead, with Forest very much on top. It is the visitors who are now seeing more of the ball but, like Albion before them at times in the first half, they are failing to turn possession into clear-cut chances.
LuaLua finds himself in a near identical position to the one he was in 15 minutes again when breaching Forest's goal, but this time he opts to cross. The delivery was lacking in quality, however, and sailed straight behind for a goal kick.
Blackstock very nearly gets on the end of a fine cross into the box, only for Dunk to get there before him to head behind. Great defending from the in-demand centre-back.
FOREST SUB! Tyler Walker comes on for Danny Fox in Forest's second change of the evening. March, involved heavily down the right, picks out the side-netting with his shot moments later.
CHANCE! Superb chance for the substitute to make an instant impact. Walker is picked out unmarked seven yards from goal by Antonio, but he failed to find the target with what was a scuffed angled drive.
MATCH ACTION! Solly March tries to get past Danny Fox during the first half at The Amex:
A little quiet spell in the game, which will of course suit the Seagulls more than their opponents. Forest have certainly improved since falling behind, yet they still need that little something extra in attack for the final quarter of this contest.
Lansbury, who skimmed the post with a free kick in the first half, sends his latest effort wide of the target.
The players are no doubt starting to feel it now, which is why I'm surprised Chris Hughton has yet to make a substitution. That looks like changing shortly, with a bit of movement out on the touchline.
SAVE! Walker uses his fresh legs to charge at Brighton, and he is almost rewarded for his positive drive. Dunk couldn't quite get a foot on the ball, allowing the youngster to force Stockdale into a save down low.
BRIGHTON SUB: There will be no debut goal for Hemed, with the Israeli departing the action. Ince is on in his place for these final 10 minutes.
CHANCE! Real chaos in the Brighton box nearly leads to Forest getting a goal. Walker got in front of his man and flicked the ball into a central position, but Blackstock just couldn't quite turn it goalwards from a couple of yards out.
FOREST SUB: Ward is replaced by Patterson, as Vaughan directs a shot wide of goal. Just over seven minutes left to play on the South Coast.
BRIGHTON SUB: Chris O'Grady comes on for Baldock, as Hughton's side sit further and further back in these closing stages.
YELLOW CARD! LuaLua earns himself a caution after fouling Antonio. The free kick came nothing, however, with Brighton's backline remaining strong.
YELLOW CARD! O'Grady uses his fresh legs to push at Forest's defenders, earning his side a free kick after being brought down by Vaughan. The referee looked to have called that one wrong in my opinion, with things getting even worse for the Welshman when he is shown a yellow.
BRIGHTON SUB: Goalscorer, and potential matchwinner, LuaLua leaves the field of play to a great reception. Liam Rosenior is on in his place for a debut runout.
Forest just can't create any openings at the moment. In fact, Brighton midfielder March has just fired over when through on goal up the other end.
Brighton under no pressure whatsoever in the opening minute of four added on at the end of this lively affair. They now have a corner, with time quickly ticking down for the visitors.
The Seagulls are remaining firm in midfield and refusing to let Forest through. Two minutes left to go at The Amex.
It has been a hugely disappointing performance from Forest on the whole, and one which is going to end in defeat on the opening day. Just seconds remaining now.
FULL TIME: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Chris Hughton's men comfortably see out the remaining seconds to earn maximum points on the opening day. Forest failed to really find any momentum bar a 10-minute spell after going behind, while Albion were good value for the game's only goal when it did arrive.
Well that is all for this evening in terms of live text coverage, but be sure to stick around with a full match report and all the reaction from the South Coast still to come.
