Albion keeper Michel Kuipers has thanked firefighter referee Steve Tomlin for his help in extinguishing a one-match ban.

Kuipers plays against Derby at Withdean tomorrow after his red card in the home game against Bradford on November 2 was reduced to a yellow on appeal.

The Seagulls asked Lewes-based League ref Tomlin to study video evidence of Kuipers' penalty-conceding foul on Bradford's Stephen Warnock.

The Dutchman was sent-off by Leicester official Brian Curson, but Tomlin advised the club to appeal as Kuipers had defensive cover.

Curson reviewed the incident and reduced the punishment to a caution, eliminating the automatic suspension which would have ruled Albion's No. 1 out of the Derby game.

"I've already seen Steve and said thanks very much," Kuipers revealed. "It was really important for us to get a view from a ref first.

"After he decided there was a chance the club appealed and it has all turned out very well."

Boss Steve Coppell praised Curson's change of heart. "It wasn't a high profile game and it would have been easy for him to have a head in the sand attitude, but he has been realistic.

"It's a brave decision and in the cold light of day I think it is the right decision."

Albion's preparations have been severely disrupted as they bid to build on four points from the last two matches.

Injured trio Bobby Zamora, Graham Barrett and Dean Blackwell all face late fitness tests, while the wet weather has played havoc with the pitches at the University of Sussex, Falmer.

"We've hardly had an area to train on and we've had to make do almost like a non-League team," Coppell said. "I hope that doesn't cost us.

"Nobody can rest on their laurels in the situation we are in. There is an awful long way to go before we can restore credibility.

"Derby are a good outfit. They have yet to find their feet in this division and I hope it takes them another week!"

Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke, the sides immediately above the Seagulls, face tough away fixtures tomorrow at Gillingham and Portsmouth respectively.