Charlie Oatway hit back at the Withdean whingers today, asking them to balance criticism with a touch of realism.

The long-serving central midfielder was singled out for abuse during Albion's last Championship outing, the 3-1 home defeat by Norwich.

Oatway, substituted early in the second half, has been in and out of the side this season but he is satisfied with his efforts and those of the team.

The captain feels the vocal minority of moaners in the south stand should be more understanding.

Oatway, who began his Albion career six years ago in the old third division, said: "I just think at times people have got to realise where this club has come from and what we have achieved and where the club is going with the ground and everything.

"We're a great bunch of lads with great honesty and we'll do our best for this club, as we always have done.

"I got some stick during the Norwich game. I am sure it is a minority but I can look at myself and what I have achieved and done for this club. I have earnt my money every day of the week.

"I do my best, I am honest, so when you get people who have got things to say it's a little bit hard to take, a bit upsetting.

"That has been a very negative side of the way things have gone for me so far this season.

"We were playing against Norwich with million pound players and we were beaten by a good side."

Oatway did himself no favours against Norwich by playing despite feeling unwell.

The loyal 31-year-old was keen to hold onto his place and did not want to let the side down, with Richard Carpenter ruled out by a foot injury.

Oatway could now lose his place to Carpenter at Withdean on Saturday against Cardiff, a club they both played for at different times earlier in their careers.

Albion are desperate for their second win of the season to ease them away from the relegation zone after the break for internationals.

Oatway knows that is easier said than done against the much-changed Welshmen, who have improved into mid-table under former Wolves manager Dave Jones.

"They get great support there, like us," Oatway said. "Sometimes they play like a 12th man for them.

"Now, with the changes the manager has made and one or two new faces in, they have climbed up the table.

"There are no weak sides in this division. We haven't got a divine right to beat anybody, home or away.

"There are good players in every single team, good managers and good clubs.

"Cardiff are no different but we are going into the game dusted down and ready to fight and have another go."

Manager Mark McGhee is pleased to have another home match which gives the Seagulls an opportunity to erase from the memory their poor first half performance against Norwich.

"You can say what you like but away games are harder to win," McGhee declared.

"Having a home game against a team in the same sort of zone as us gives us another chance.

"Cardiff lost their centre halves, Gabbidon and Collins, but they have spent some of that money on bringing in a few, like Koumas, so they've not stood still. It's no surprise to me that they are making a good fist of it."