Albion manager Martin Hinshelwood has warned his players he will wield the axe unless they buck their ideas up.

Hinshelwood issued the threat ahead of today's Withdean clash against Walsall (3pm).

He was furious with Saturday's tame 1-0 defeat by Wimbledon at Selhurst Park, which made it three games without a win or a goal for the Seagulls.

"These players have been magnificent for two years," Hinshelwood said. "They have earnt the right to play in the First Division, but they have got to show me a bit more commitment and attitude in games or they won't play in it.

"I am very hurt. They are honest lads and they know they let themselves down in certain areas.

"There are still people that have got to work a bit harder and have got to push themselves right to the limit for this club."

Albion were beaten by Neil Shipperley's 73rd minute penalty, awarded for a foul by Danny Cullip on former Seagull Wayne Gray.

Paul Kitson missed a late chance to level on his debut when he headed straight at keeper Kelvin Davis from a Paul Watson cross.

Hinshelwood said: "The penalty looked a bit soft, but I felt we were soft in our defending leading up to it.

"Hopefully in two or three weeks when Paul is fitter and gets a decent chance like that he'll finish it. He's disappointed, he feels he let the lads down."

Kitson, making his first start since December 1, said: "There wasn't much left in my legs in the second half. I've got to get my sharpness and match fitness, but that will come with games.

"It was disappointing not to score. The ball sat up and there was no pace on it. I tried to put pace into the ball, but the keeper read it."

Gary Hart had to be replaced by youngster Daniel Marney for the second half.

"Gary's ankle was a wee bit sore, but he just felt very sore and stiff all over," Hinshelwood explained. "Daniel was bright and lively and he did himself a few favours."

Hart, Michel Kuipers and Charlie Oatway all missed training yesterday. Kuipers has suffered a further recurrence of the thigh injury which troubled him both last season and before the start of this season, while Oatway has a bruised instep.

Read a full match report on the game at thisisthealbion.co.uk