NEW Albion boss Micky Adams praised his players for giving him a winning start, then blamed them for getting Jeff Wood the sack.

A superb early strike by Gary Hart against Shrewsbury earned the Seagulls their first points at the Priestfield Stadium for seven matches and got Adams off to a flyer.

"It's terrific to start with a win," Adams said. "I was delighted with the performance. The commitment, enthusiasm and workrate were spot on.

"The conditions were very difficult, but the players showed a lot of character and everybody played their part.

"I congratulated them at the end, but if they had showed that sort of effort and commitment I would not have been here and Jeff Wood would still be in charge.

"The players got Jeff Wood the sack."

Hart ran 40 yards before smacking home his 12th goal of the season.

"Full credit to Gary," added Adams. "I told the lads I wanted them to be positive and he was. When he got the ball he played to his strengths and took his goal magnificently.

"It was worthy of winning any game."

Hart, who has scored in each of the last three games, said: "I feel sky high. We played really well and everyone looked like they wanted to win it.

"I knew I could undo Shrewsbury with my pace, so I just put my head down and ran, then hit it across the keeper.

"I am sorry it could not have come earlier, but we are under a new manager now and we have got to do well for him."

Albion are up to 13th ahead of Adams' first away match in charge at Halifax on Saturday.

He has an opportunity to assess the rest of the squad when the Reserves face Barnet at Worthing tonight (7.0).

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