FORMER Seagull Martin Ling has exposed the strained relationship between Albion and Leyton Orient.

Ling is back at Brisbane Road as youth coach after playing in Albion's last eight matches last season.

The 34-year-old midfielder figured for the O's in several scraps against the Seagulls before that, so he knows what it will be like at Withdean tomorrow.

"It always seems to be a nitty gritty game against Brighton," Ling said. "Both sets of supporters look upon it as their big one.

"There has never been any love lost between the two clubs and the matches are usually very tight.

"There have been some battles over the years and I don't see it being any different this time.

"Both teams are doing well. We've had an excellent start. We've only lost once and Brighton are really hitting form."

Ling rejected the offer of a three-month contract from Albion to rejoin Orient. He has a two-year playing deal as well, although he hasn't been needed for the first team so far.

Ling's youth duties mean he is otherwise engaged at Bisham Abbey, but tough-tackling ex-Albion midfielder Paul Clark will be trying to plot the downfall of his old club from the dugout.

Clark is assistant to Orient boss Tommy Taylor.

The East Londoners' results have dipped a little of late. Last Saturday's 1-0 home win against Lincoln is their only success in six outings, although two of those were against Newcastle in the Worthington Cup.

Striker Iyseden Christie is out with a knee injury sustained in Tuesday's second leg against the Premiership giants.

Taylor is hoping to stretch the loan move of Aussie forward Richard Garcia from West Ham to the end of the season.

Highly rated leftback Matt Lockwood has scored three goals this season, all of them penalties, while summer signing Jason Brissett from Walsall is pressing for only his second League start.

Tomorrow's match is being beamed back to Brisbane Road to coincide with the opening of the O's new restaurant. Chairman Barry Hearn is charging £40 per ticket.