Defiant Albion chief Steve Coppell still believes his side can make a miraculous escape from relegation.

The Seagulls' First Division future is hanging by a thread following yesterday's 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Withdean.

Stoke's 1-0 win at Coventry sent Wednesday and Grimsby down.

Albion must now beat Watford at home on Saturday and Grimsby away and hope Stoke lose their last two matches, at Crystal Palace and at home to Reading, to creep above them on goal difference.

Coppell said: "It might be a thread, but we're still in there. It's better than no prospect and it could happen.

"I think we are good enough to get the wins. In the last three games we've been found wanting a little bit. Maybe having been forced into a corner we will be a little more dangerous.

"I've just got a feeling there is still life in this situation. It's set up for a sting and it's down to us to try and take advantage of that.

"Stoke are getting their fair share of luck at the moment.

"They could have had the keeper sent-off on Saturday and they won with a penalty at Coventry which came off the post, hit the goalkeeper on the back and then went in. It certainly seems as if luck is falling on their side and you can never ever depend on luck."

Bobby Zamora kept Albion's hopes alive with a second-half penalty, awarded when Wednesday's first-half goalscorer Grant Holt handled a Kerry Mayo cross.

Mayo said: "It was an important point for us. We are obviously disappointed not to get all three, but we've just got to hope Stoke lose their next two games.

"It's asking a lot but we will go into our next two games heads held high. We are just going to give it our best shot and go for two wins. It's not over until the fat lady sings. Let's hope she loses her voice!"

Wednesday manager Chris Turner said: "The players have given me everything in the four months I've been here. Unfortunately it hasn't been enough.

"We've only lost one of our last seven away games, which isn't relegation form. The first half of the season gave me and Colin (West) a mountain to climb."

Albion keeper Dave Beasant has a scan today on an injured right leg, sustained in the first five minutes.

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