Albion goalkeeper Mark Cartwright has re-written the record books, by staying clean for five months.

He has become the first No.1 in the Seagulls' history to chalk up six clean sheets in a row in the League. Cartwright's feat has been confirmed to the Argus by Tim Carder, the club historian.

"Five in the League was the record before," said Carder.

"That was done by four Albion goalkeepers, Billy Hayes, Peter Grummitt, Brian Powney and Nicky Rust."

Cartwright's amazing run started in September against Blackpool, Cheltenham, York and Leyton Orient.

A hernia operation and the form of Michel Kuipers then kept the 28-year-old out of the side until the 1-0 win at Torquay ten days ago. The former Wrexham and Stockport shot-stopper broke the record in last Saturday's 1-0 win against promotion rivals Cardiff at Withdean.

Cartwright now has the chance to equal Hayes' overall record of seven successive shut-outs in all competitions, achieved in 1924, when he makes the 50th League appearance of his career at Cheltenham this Saturday.

The Seagulls' gruelling win over Cardiff has taken its toll. Bobby Zamora (ankle), Charlie Oatway (knee), Darren Freeman (calf) and Paul Brooker (back and calf) all missed training yesterday.

Cardiff get a quick chance to close the gap on Albion back to two points tonight.

They visit Blackpool, the next visitors to Withdean on February 20.

Promotion rivals Rochdale are also in action at Scunthorpe, while play-off chasing Cheltenham are away to Mansfield.