Peter Taylor has admitted Albion "got away" with another Withdean win, thanks to his goalkeeper and goalscorer.

Saturday's 1-0 success against Colchester made it seven points out of nine for the Seagulls since Taylor succeeded Micky Adams as manager and 14 home victories out of 15.

Bobby Zamora's 11th goal of the season from a Paul Watson free-kick kept Albion in second spot behind Brentford, but they were grateful to Michel Kuipers for a series of first half saves.

"It was probably the worst we have played in my three games," Taylor said. "The players didn't look as confident as they should have been at home and we didn't start as brightly, but we got away with it.

"I thought Colchester were the brighter team. We didn't seem to be as lively as in my first two games, but thankfully our keeper was in top form. He kept us in the game and Bobby is very bright around the box.

"It just helps the team if you have got a good goalkeeper and a good goalscorer. It gives somebody like myself a chance if you can organise a team."

Kuipers' shut-out was his second in succession at Withdean on his 50th League appearance for the club.

"That's my job," he said. "I am out there to make saves and it's great if you can make them.

"It's nice to receive compliments as well. The gaffer is really good. He has a lot of knowledge and we are trying to improve our game because of him."

Taylor's decision to substitute Lee Steele with Paul Brooker in the second half was jeered by some fans in the south stand. "That's not a problem," he said. "People pay their money, they have got their own view on the game and I understand that totally.

"You mustn't make a decision just to get a clap. Even if it gets a boo you have to make it if you think it is the right one and I am still happy with that decision."

Albion have opened up a seven-point gap over Wycombe the side immediately outside the play-off zone.

Taylor is fielding the fringe first teamers for tomorrow night's LDV Vans Trophy southern section second round tie against Wycombe at Withdean.

He expects Danny Cullip to miss Saturday's League game at fourth-placed Bristol City after a knee injury sidelined the central defender from the Colchester clash.

Cullip's regular partner Simon Morgan missed the second half with slight concussion, but he should be fit for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Albion have been drawn at home to Steele's old club Shrewsbury in the first round of the FA Cup on November 17. It means a return to Withdean for Kuipers' former goalkeeping companion Mark Cartwright, now No.1 at the side sixth in the Third Division.