Albion have imposed a partial ban on a musical band of away fans so they don't disturb Withdean residents.

The Sheffield Wednesday supporters were restricted to a trumpet and a 6ft 4in euphonium for today's crunch relegation clash.

Known across the country for their dedicated support, the band is 17-strong for Wednesday's home games at Hillsborough.

A dozen members play brass instruments and five are drummers, while eight or nine normally travel away.

Band leader John Hemmingham said: "Wednesday contacts every club on our behalf and we've never had a restriction before. Clubs usually just say yes or no. Sheffield United, for example, have banned us altogether. At least Brighton are letting us in but the restriction is a bit strange.

"I will be playing the trumpet and one of my colleagues the euphonium.

"The rest will be there, without their instruments."

The band's rendition of a tune made famous by the film Escape To Victory has become a familiar sound at grounds up and down the country and at England matches home and abroad.

Mr Hemmingham said: "We've been to two World Cups with England, Euro 2000, all over the place."

"The oldest member is 77, the youngest 14. We have been doing it for ten years and we are all decent people."

Despite the band's good reputation, Richard Hebbard, Albion's safety officer, said the club had to consider residents' views.

He said: "We had an inquiry from Sheffield Wednesday about what we would allow.

"You have to bear in mind they are sitting in a stand with no roof less than 100 metres away from houses on a bank holiday. To allow a full-scale band in would be unfair to residents."

Albion and Wednesday are both trying to Escape To Victory themselves and today's match was vital to their chances of staying in the First Division.

The Seagulls have a one point advantage over Wednesday but both remain in the relegation zone.

Monday April 21 2003