Martin Ling hopes his first goal for Albion will help him land a contract.

Ling scored the Seagulls' clincher shortly after coming on in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 win at relegation-threatened Shrewsbury.

The former Leyton Orient midfielder's short-term deal expires with Saturday's closing home game against Shrewsbury's fellow strugglers Carlisle and he will seek talks with manager Micky Adams to clarify his future.

Ling, signed on transfer deadline day after Orient paid him up, said: "I don't know about my future. I have not spoken to Micky at all about it.

"The situation when I came here with eight games to go was to try to get into the play-offs. It hasn't quite worked out like that, but we have gone seven of the eight undefeated.

"I will speak to him in the next week or so and see what he thinks about next year. If he shakes my hand and says well done for the eight games I'll accept that but I would love to stay. I have enjoyed my time here."

Ling, replacing Rod Thomas, added to a Paul Brooker goal at the start of the second half as Albion stretched their unbeaten run to 13 games.

"It was nice to get off the mark for Brighton," he said. "The gaffer wasn't very happy at half time and told me to make sure I was ready, because I could be going on at any moment.

"We scored straight after half time which changed the scenario, but it went well for us in the second half.

"In the seven games I have been here I've played a bit part in some and started a couple. Scoring was a little bit of icing on the cake and hopefully I will get another chance on Saturday."

Adams, celebrating his 50th League match in charge, said: "I have got to be delighted. Seven wins and six draws is championship form. Unfortunately for us it has come a little bit too late."

Albion's victory was marred by a red card for Danny Cullip in the closing stages for a second bookable offence.

An ear infection ruled out Darren Freeman for the second match in succession and his replacement, centre half turned centre forward Darren Carr, went off in the first half with a twisted ankle.

Ling plays for the Reserves today in the Sussex Senior Cup final against Hastings at Langney Sports FC (3pm).

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