Seagulls Scene: Gills Goal Kills Gulls

Brighton had much the better of the game. They had more of the ball and made the home team look like a managerless side near the bottom of League Division 1 '“ which they are. But they lost to a single goal with just 10 minutes left!

In truth it had been poor entertainment with very little goalmouth action. That seemed OK for the Seagulls as an away point from a goalless draw could be seen as a result - disappointing perhaps but a result. But out of the blue a long ball over the top of young Tommy Elphick and Guy Butters, with Adam El-Abd fruitlessly claiming an offside, found Delroy Facey running through to slot past Michel Kuipers and win the game.

Kuipers (sporting a new haircut!) in goal had a comfortable game, up until the one that squeezed inside the post. The defence was generally sound with Guy Butters his reliable self in the middle. Andrew Whing at right back was solid and produced one good attempt on goal. Adam El-Abd, playing out of his best position, was "rigorous" at left back, playing instead of the injured Joel Lynch. There is certainly a case to be made for young Sam Rents to come in.

New boys David Martot and George O'Callaghan, along with captain Dean Hammond and little Dean Cox, promised good things in midfield. In the end however they didn't achieve or create enough to beat a poor Gillingham side. Upfront it just didn't click for the two former Gills players Bas Savage and Nicky Forster.

Already it is apparent that this is going to be another one of those roller-coasters of a season for Seagull fans. It's Fortress Withdean at the moment, three wins and eight goals, giving the nine points. What is worrying is the away form. Three losses, five goals against, only one scored, equals nil points. Surprisingly Brighton are still in the play-offs zone in sixth position, on goal difference, following their three wins at home. How can you explain this home/away difference when last year our record on the road was better than most teams in the division?

Clearly we need to score goals. Just one goal at Crewe hasn't been enough for a single point, and we've conceded in each of the three games. Manager Dean Wilkins has to find a line-up and strategy to score goals away from home. Gillingham were there to be beaten but Albion lacked ideas and penetration. Bas Savage is a "super-sub" and perhaps Wilkins now realises that's how he should play him '“ as a sub! Alex Revell and Jake Robinson would have been a more attacking option, but they didn't start.

I'm sure the manager will start with an attack minded line-up for the Saturday game at Withdean against Yeovil. Town are currently one point ahead of us in 5th place, so although it is early in the season this is a 'six-pointer'. Yeovil have worked their way up the divisions and are now a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile we look over our shoulders at mighty Leeds who are ominously fighting their way up the table (having started on minus 15!). They are off the bottom following six straight wins and are only six points behind Albion.

Here's hoping we still have 'Fortress Withdean' against Yeovil, and looking further ahead, come up with a goal or two or three at Swansea the following week.