Albion boss Steve Coppell has blasted the Football League for arranging First Division fixtures this week for FA Cup semi-finalists Sheffield United and Watford.

Sheffield face Arsenal and Watford tackle Southampton in the semis on Sunday.

The busy Blades were in League action last night against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park, while Watford meet Coppell's old club Crystal Palace tonight at the same venue.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," Coppell said. "An administrator somewhere has obviously decided that to keep things nice and organised they have got to play games this week.

"The Nationwide League should be busting a gut for both clubs to reach the final. What a boost that would be.

"I know Watford don't want to play and I would assume Sheffield United didn't want to either so they could rest injuries and prepare for two massive games.

"It's brilliant to have two Nationwide League clubs in the semi-finals and the League should be doing what they can to give them an edge.

"Arsenal and Southampton are not playing. They have both got a free week to prepare.

"I know there are only four weeks of the season left, but surely these games could have been fitted in elsewhere?"

League spokesman John Nagle said: "We are always in consultation with clubs about fixtures. They are not done in isolation. Everyone knows the cup runs Sheffield United have had this season, so their schedule is particularly congested.

"We have been consulting with Watford all the way through and they are aware of the position. If we were in a position to help our clubs then we would."

Grimsby, three points and two places below Albion with an inferior goal difference, play their match in hand tonight at home to Wolves.

Paul Kitson, fresh from his role as goalscoring sub at Reading on Friday, plays again for the Reserves against Barnet at Worthing tonight (7pm).

Coppell said: "We feel he just needs to try and get into a rhythm now, a flow of games so that when he is called upon he's ready."

More than 4,000 of the Seagulls' season ticket holders have guaranteed their seats at Withdean next season by taking advantage of a price freeze offered by the club for renewing before April.