A football reporter who has commentated throughout Brighton and Hove Albion's push for promotion has pulled the plug on himself for their match of the season so far.

Instead, BBC Southern Counties Radio presenter Andrew Hawes will be cheering on his favourite team, Swindon Town, who Albion meet in next week's crunch play-off games.

Despite following the Seagulls for professional purposes, he fears he would not be able to contain his joy - or despair - and could end up causing offence on air to his Sussex listeners.

The teams meet in the play-off first leg at Swindon's County Ground on Sunday with the return match at Withdean the following Thursday.

The games will decide who goes through to the play-off final in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on May 30, when the prize will be a place in Nationwide Division One.

Andrew got away with reporting on Albion's two league games against Swindon earlier this season but feared Albion fans would complain about his allegiance.

He said: "I have not been told of any complaints but I know there were people ready to point out any bias. For such important games as the play-off legs I might be biased - especially if there is a goal needed with ten minutes to go."

Andrew, 30, grew up in Swindon and began supporting the Robins when he was seven.

He said: "I was hoping Albion would get either Bristol City or Hartlepool in the play-offs.

"I would have had no difficulty commentating on those but Swindon are a different matter. I wish the Albion well but Swindon are in my blood."

And he warned Albion fans already preparing for a day out in Wales: "Robins are tough birds and can surprise when they come up against seagulls.

"Our surprise is Sam Parkin, who has already scored against the Albion this season - and I am sure he will do it again."

Tim Durrans, the station's sports editor, said: "Andrew is a very professional commentator and rarely makes a mistake.

"He reads the game well and does not get over-excited.

"This was entirely his decision as he felt he might not be objective and I readily agreed to his request."

Jonny Saunders will provide the commentary on the matches instead.