Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest have kicked off the Football League season with a goalless first half at The Amex

Both teams threatened to break the deadlock in a bright start to the match as Kazenga LuaLua tested Dorus de Vries with a powerful low strike shortly before Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury rattled the outside of the post with a 30-yard free kick.

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Brighton looked more dangerous in possession for much of the first half, but the visitors threatened on the break when Jamie Ward, making his debut after arriving from rivals Derby County earlier in the summer, delivered a cross which Dexter Blackstock headed wide.

It was then the home side's turn to test the woodwork when Beram Kayal capitalised on space outside the box to strike the post with a low effort.

After David Stockdale was forced to push clear a Michail Antonio strike, Brighton asked more questions at the other end as De Vries kept out a Dale Stephens header before Sam Baldock sent a shot inches wide of the post after being picked out by LuaLua.

Brighton looked certain to take the lead in stoppage time, but De Vries produced got a hand to Tomer Hemed's powerful header.