ALBION boss Jeff Wood has said sorry to the fans after a dismal fifth defeat in a row.

Second-placed Cardiff strolled to a 2-0 victory at the Priestfield Stadium last night to put another dent in the Seagulls' sinking play-off challenge.

"All I can do is apologise to the fans," Wood said. "That performance wasn't good enough.

"Cardiff are a good side and that is why they are near the top of the League, but our performance wasn't acceptable.

"Players are suffering from a lack of confidence because of the run of results and individual mistakes, and they are hiding."

"First half goals by Kevin Nugent and Scott Young confirmed Cardiff's superiority and left Wood threatening changes.

"This can't go on,' he said. 'The players have had a good chance to show what they can do and if we change the players then so be it."

Albion are now down to ??? and their disciplinary problems are multiplying.

Newcomer Kevin Nicholls collected his third booking in as many matches, which means he misses the home game against Barnet on March 27.

Andy Arnott, already facing a two-match suspension, was also cautioned in the first half and Wood will fine both players.

"Reckless challenges will be punished now," he said.

"Kevin's was from behind and actually ended up costing us the second goal."

Arnott and Michael Bennett are both banned for Saturday's home game against Darlington.

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