By Will Jago

Albion boss Gus Poyet won't get carried away with his side's 1-1 draw against Premiership Sunderland tonight, but did praise the performance as one of the best of his regime.

The Seagulls took the lead towards the end of a first-half which they had dominated, and were only denied a deserved win by Frazier Campbell's late equaliser.

Poyet told seagulls.co.uk, "We lost on Saturday against Eastbourne Borough and people worried, then we drew against Sunderland today - but for me it's the same whether we win, draw or lose in pre-season: results don't matter.

"The important thing is that we are getting better, and we have two-and-a-half weeks until the season starts; and we will continue to get better.

"I was very happy with the first half, firstly because of the team that we were playing against and secondly because of the way that we played; that's the way I want us to play all season.

"It doesn't matter who we play or where we are playing, I want us to play that way. It's great that the players understand the way that I want the team to play.

"When you are a manger you have two different options: to try and win the game playing any way, or you try and get the team to play your way. That is the most satisfying feeling, because they are playing the way I want them to.

"There is no doubt that the first half is the best we have played since I have been here in terms of movement, passing and controlling the game. We created so many opportunities and we were playing outstanding one-touch football."

Seven of Poyet's summer signings featured in his starting XI tonight, and the Uruguayan is impressed with the way they have settled in to the squad.

"You can see their ability and that is why they are here. You watch Gordon Greer and he knows when it's safe to play and when it's not. You also know he can play the ball with the left or the right foot, and he knows when to bring people into the game and he's a leader.

"Radostin Kishishev is great and I knew he would be. Not many people knew about him, but he is actually a different class. Matt Sparrow also did well and I'm sure that he'll get more opportunities in the next few games, when we find his right position.

"Also, Ashley Barnes played his position tonight magnificently well; he really understands how to hold up the ball, and he cares about every single ball."

Meanwhile, Poyet praised Albion's fans who enjoyed an open training session earlier in the day and created an excellent atmosphere at the game.

"The idea was to get the fans involved, and I'm pleased that there was a good following here watching the game, because they can go back home and tell everyone how well we played.

"We wanted the fans to enjoy themselves, and that was the main reason why we set up the Sunderland friendly. We knew there would be a possibility for them to come over and watch the game and I hope that they are all pleased with what they saw.

"They can go home happy, having enjoyed the beautiful weather and having watched a proper game of football, so I am pleased for them."