Paul Brooker made a rapid return to the starting line-up for Albion's promotion showdown against Cardiff.

The former Fulham winger was among three players axed for last Saturday's 1-0 win at Torquay.

A back injury kept Brooker off the bench at Plainmoor, but he recovered to take the place of the suspended Nathan Jones on the left flank.

The Withdean faithful, starved of action recently, created a cracking atmosphere for the clash between the teams second and third in the table.

The opening exchanges were predictably frenetic, with Albion the first to threaten.

Zamora missed a chance to give Albion a 13th minute lead.

The prolific youngster escaped unmarked from Watson's cross, but his glancing side-footer from 10 yards out went straight at Walton.

Zamora spurned a simpler opportunity in the League meeting between the teams at Ninian Park in September, which would have put the Seagulls 2-0 up.

He wasted no time in making amends on this occasion, stroking Albion ahead with his 20th goal of the season in the 15th minute.

It stemmed from a misplaced pass by Brazier in the centre circle, which allowed Zamora to race clear before calmly side-footing passed Walton.

It was just the start Micky Adams' men wanted and Zamora had delivered yet again.

The match was being played at a furious pace and the Seagulls were pretty much in charge.

There was a worrying moment for Mayo when the leftback and Wicks converged to send Bowen tumbling on the right flank.

Referee Armstrong called Mayo towards him, but issued a lecture rather than a caution.

Mayo must have breathed a big sigh of relief as he is on the brink of a ban.

Referee Armstrong had more words with Crosby and Fortune-West after they tangled near the touchline in front of the North Stand.

The incident ended with a friendly handshake between the pair.

Carpenter had an opportunity to demonstrate his power from free-kicks when Brooker was brought down 25 yards out.

Boland seemed to break from the defensive wall rather early to charge down his effort.

A slight mistake by Wicks enabled the lanky Low to get in a low drive which Cartwright held comfortably enough, diving to his left.

Freeman required treatment from physio Malcolm Stuart for a bang on the head as the interval approached and the rain returned.

Fortune-West collected Cardiff's first caution in first half stoppage time for an over-robust aerial challenge on Cartwright.

Albion were a little slow to close down Weston from Legg's short throw-in three minutes into the restart.

Weston's ensuing shot from 25 yards was well held by Cartwright on his first home appearance since the end of September especially as the greasy conditions were tricky for goalkeepers.

Albion had a chance to double their lead moments later when Zamora blocked Gabbido's clearance, but Brooker's angled effort flew high and wide of the target.

Gabbidon collected Cardiff's second caution on 51 minutes when he scythed down Brooker on the left wing.

Carpenter's resulting free-kick was punched clear by Walton only as far as Freeman, whose shot was charged down in a packed goalmouth.

The Seagulls went close to increasing their advantage from a Watson free-kick.

It just eluded Zamora and Crosby failed to connect from point blank range at the far post.

Cardiff made a substitution on the hour, Fortune-West departing to ironic cheers and Gordon taking his place upfront.

A minute later Carpenter's splendidly struck volley from 25 yards was tipped over by Walton.

Cardiff had a chance to level on 63 minutes when a long ball freed Brayson goal side of the Albion defence.

His angled effort from seven yards lacked power, which allowed Cartwright to change direction to save.

Cardiff made another change a minute later, bringing on Evans in place of Weston.

Hero Zamora limped off to a standing ovation with 20 minutes remaining, making way for the fit-again Steele.

Cardiff substitute Gordon was sent off five minutes from time for pole axing keeper Cartwright from a cross.

Albion: Mark Cartwright, Paul Watson, Kerry Mayo, Andy Crosby, Darren Freeman, Paul Rogers, Charlie Oatway, Richard Carpenter, Paul Brooker, Matthew Wicks, Bobby Zamora. Subs: Steele, Hart, Virgo, Melton, Kuipers.

Cardiff City: Mark Walton, Josh Low, Andy Legg, Scott Young, Daniel Gabbidon, Matthew Brazier, Willie Boland, Jason Bowen, Rhys Weston, Leo Fortune-West, Paul Brayson. Subs: Gordon, Nogan, Hughes, Evans, Jordan.

Referee: Mr Paul Armstrong (Berkshire).