(REUTERS) - Bournemouth twice came from behind to draw a thrilling South coast derby with Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 at the Amex Stadium in the first Premier League game of the year on Monday (Jan 1).

Bournemouth began the game just above the relegation zone but are five points worse off than their position last year on New Year's Day.

They got off to the worst possible start in the fifth minute when Brighton's Anthony Knockaert rounded off a flowing move by squeezing the ball in at the far post for his second goal of the season.

The goal was Brighton's fastest in the league.

However, it was far from one-way traffic and both keepers were kept busy before Steve Cook equalised against the club where he began his career with a clever back-flicked header from a corner on 33 minutes.

Glenn Murray also scored against his former side to restore Brighton's lead at the start of the second half and the home side should have had a third when Jose Izquierdo shot instead of passing to Davy Propper, who was perfectly placed to score.

Bournemouth took full advantage and after Jordan Ibe hit the post, equalised for the second time after a protracted scramble in the area from another corner.

The ball eventually fell to Callum Wilson who stuck out a boot to divert the ball into the net.