The Seagulls came out of a cul-de-sac over Christmas with a draw against table-topping Barnet and an impressive win at second-placed Rotherham.

Walton knows it's crucial their improved form continues in today's noon showdown against struggling Exeter at Withdean.

The big Welshman, due to make the 150th League appearance of his career, said: "We have been a bit unlucky so far, but I think we have turned the corner now and are getting a bit of the rub of the green.

"Hopefully we can kick on from here. It's very tight, but we need to go on a little run and pick up points to close the gap on the teams that are pulling away a little.

"Eight or nine teams are in a similar position to us and it's just about consistency now.

"We've had a good holiday period so far, but we need to get a result today so that it has all been worthwhile. It's no good getting two results, then taking a step back."

Albion's poor form at Withdean has so far prevented them mounting a serious promotion challenge.

Five of the eight League defeats have been suffered at their temporary home and manager Micky Adams is calling on his players to be braver.

"Withdean has its problems," Adams admitted. "I have been the first to highlight them. I've had a go at the atmosphere, but we have got to get on with it.

"Everyone wants to do so well there that we get nervous and go deeper and deeper to protect a lead. That's when you need brave people to push up and play in the opposition's half."

Central defender Gary Hobson has been ruled out for a fortnight by back and elbow injuries and midfielder Paul Armstrong has only just resumed light training after damaging ankle ligaments, so Adams selects from an unchanged squad.

He is likely to persevere with the three-man attack which worked so well at Rotherham. Top scorer Darren Freeman is poised for his first home League appearance for 11 weeks alongside Gary Hart and on-loan Italian Lorenzo Pinamonte, who is still waiting to get off the mark.

"Pinamonte needs a goal, but I am sure that will come," said Adams. "We are creating enough chances."

Albion (probable): Walton; Watson, Carr, Freeman, Rogers, Hart, Oatway, Mayo, Crosby, Cullip, Pinamonte. Subs: Thomas, McPherson, Cameron, Ramsay, Aspinall.

Exeter (from): Naylor; Richardson, Curran, Gittens, Power, Rees, Buckle, Smith, Nyamah, Flack, Alexander, Breslan, Speakman, Matthews, Vanninen, Robinson, Dewhurst, Boylan, Holloway.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.