MONDAY: Albion's New Year's Day fixture against Northampton at Withdean is frozen off following a lunchtime inspection by Lewes ref Steve Tomlin.

Boss Peter Taylor reflects on two promotion points dropped by the Seagulls in blowing another two-goal lead at Blackpool.

"It was very frustrating," says Taylor. "To be fair to Blackpool they were very positive in the second half, but we were very unprofessional."

TUESDAY: Two of Albion's promotion rivals capitalise on their inactivity with home victories.

Taylor watches Reading beat Brian Horton's Port Vale with a late double from substitute Jamie Cureton, which leaves the Royals behind the Seagulls on goal difference.

Stoke take over from Bristol City at the top by beating Blackpool 2-0 to go three points above Albion from a match more.

WEDNESDAY: Junior Lewis is set to be reunited with Taylor on loan from Leicester later this month.

"At the moment I am trying to go for the last three months of the season, which only means waiting until the 20th of January," reveals Taylor.

"If we get injuries before that I will have to think about it. I have also got to think about whether I want to sign him for the play-offs as well.

"He can play in the centre of defence, fullback, the middle of midfield or as an attacking midfielder. I have got a lot of belief in him and I think he will do a really good job for us."

A hastily arranged friendly at Fulham is frozen off as 400 extra FA Cup tickets returned by Preston go on sale to Albion fans.

THURSDAY: Albion fear a third Withdean postponement out of four against Preston.

Chief executive Martin Perry says: "The situation is being kept under very close review. The temperature is likely to rise on Friday, but whether it will rise enough to get the ice and frost out of the ground remains to be seen.

"The covers are on the pitch. The problem is there is no heat in the ground so if the temperature drops sufficiently there isn't much the covers can do."

Taylor, celebrating his 49th birthday, reveals that the FA Cup-tied Simon Royce will be back in goal for the League game against Wigan.

The best injury victims Kerry Mayo and Gary Hart can hope for against Preston is a place on the bench.

FRIDAY: Taylor believes his underdogs can cause an FA Cup upset against Preston North End but it will have to be at a later date as the game is the latest victim of the big freeze following a noon inspection.