Dean Blackwell was back in the Albion starting line-up on Saturday after an 11-week absence for the visit of play-off hungry Wolves.

The former Wimbledon stopper has been restricted to substitute appearances since hurting a hamstring at Preston on November 23.

Blackwell, in for the injured Nathan Jones, joined forces again at the heart of the defence with captain Danny Cullip and Robbie Pethick.

One of his four previous starts for the Seagulls was alongside them against Wolves in the 1-1 draw at Molineux three months ago.

Blackwell's return meant Kerry Mayo reverting to left wingback with Paul Watson in his customary defensive role on the other flank.

Watson was being cheered on by dad Dave, a lifelong Wolves fan.

Boss Steve Coppell made two other changes to the team beaten 3-2 by Wimbledon at Withdean on Tuesday.

On-loan Charlton keeper Ben Roberts returned from gastric flu at the expense of Dave Beasant.

Richard Carpenter recovered from a knee injury to resume in the middle of midfield, with Charlie Oatway relegated to the bench.

Bobby Zamora, on target in the Molineux meeting, was partnered again upfront by Gary Hart following the latter's unfortunate red card against Wimbledon.

Albion have sent video evidence to the F.A. in the hope that referee Joe Ross will change his mind about the decision to dismiss Hart.

Wolves were forced into one change to the side which hammered the Seagulls' relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 at Hillsborough last Saturday.

Marc Edworthy came in at leftback for suspended former Manchester United stalwart Denis Irwin.

The pre-match omens were mixed as Albion aimed for their first win of the year.

History was on their side, with just one defeat in the previous 15 League clashes between the clubs, but the identity of the referee was more of an unlucky charm.

Peter Walton was in charge of the humiliating 5-0 thrashing by arch-rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in October, which included a red card for Paul Brooker.

Albion: Ben Roberts; Paul Watson, Kerry Mayo, Danny Cullip, Dean Blackwell, Gary Hart, Paul Brooker, Richard Carpenter, Robbie Pethick, Bobby Zamora, Simon Rodger. Subs: Butters, Oatway, Barrett, Piercy, Beasant.

Wolves: Matt Murray; Lee Naylor, Jo Lescott, Paul Butler, Shaun Newton, Colin Cameron, Mark Kennedy, Adam Proudlock, Kenny Miller, Paul Ince, Marc Edworthy. Subs: Oakes, Rae, Andrews, Sturridge, Clyde.

Referee: Mr P. Walton (Northants).