Albion forward Darren Freeman has asked for a transfer.

Last season's leading marksman was left out of the squad for last night's 1-0 victory against Blackpool at Withdean. Freeman plays instead in the reserves at Peterborough today (2pm).

Assistant boss Bob Booker said: "It was the manager's decision to leave him out.

"We discussed things on the coach coming back from Cheltenham on Saturday and we feel we picked a team to beat Blackpool.

"Looking at the way things went it was the right decision."

A freak first goal of the season for central defender Andy Crosby kept Micky Adams' men in second place.

A goal-line clearance by Blackpool defender Danny Shittu rebounded in off Crosby in the 57th minute.

"It hit me on the left ear as I turned away," Crosby revealed. "It was a strange goal to say the least, but they all count.

"It wasn't the best of performances, but we got the three points and that's what really matters."

Goalkeeper Michel Kuipers, recalled in place of the transfer-listed Mark Cartwright, preserved Albion's eighth Withdean win out of nine with a stunning late stop from substitute Richard Walker.

Booker said: "It was one helluva save. It's all about winning and staying in that second spot.

"If we keep on winning no-one can catch us, so it's a great result for us."

Albion are now 14 points behind Chesterfield with four games in hand after the runaway leaders were held at home by rock-bottom Carlisle.

York, the visitors to Withdean this Saturday, helped the Seagulls by upsetting Rochdale to move off the foot of the table.

Cardiff kept up the pressure by hanging on with ten men for a 2-1 win at Halifax.

Hartlepool eased past Torquay but Leyton Orient needed a Carl Griffiths equaliser to salvage a point at Scunthorpe, Adams still hopes to complete two loan signings in time for the York game.