Brighton 2-1 Nantes: Tomer Hemed and Pascal Gross net for hosts

Brighton claimed a 2-1 victory in their final pre-season game against Nantes at the Amex Stadium on Friday evening.

Valentin Rongier scored late on for Nantes but the hosts held on to end their pre-season campaign in style.

Brighton endured a difficult start to the match, with Glenn Murray being replaced after just 15 minutes by eventual goalscorer Hemed.

After a series of chances for the French side, Brighton began to put the pressure on and in the 37th minute, they went ahead thanks to a well-worked goal.

Anthony Knockaert was played in brilliantly by Bruno before the Frenchman squared the ball to Hemed, who coolly converted from close range.

And then just four minutes into the second half, Hughton's side - who enjoyed a 15th place finish in the Premier League last season - went 2-0 ahead.

Gross dispossessed Abdoulaye Toure, then played a one-two with Hemed before firing the ball under Nantes goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.

With Brighton looking in complete control, they were given a brief scare when Rongier netted for the visitors in the 80th minute.

Their captain curled a right-footed shot into the bottom corner but Brighton kept their nerve to hold on to the victory.

Brighton take on Watford away at Vicarage Road on August 11 in their first fixture of the new Premier League season.