Doug Loft was probably the only man in blue and white stripes with something to celebrate as the dust settled on relegation last April.

Loft, signed in the closing months of the season from Hastings, momentarily brightened up that awful 5-1 season-ending defeat to Stoke City by scoring his first League goal.

Withdean was like a morgue that day as the rock-bottom Seagulls left the Championship with barely a whimper.

Not really the time, then, to grin from ear to ear or celebrate too much.

Deep down, though, while fans and players alike have tried to erase that day from their memories, Loft has replayed his magical moment. Now he hopes it can fill him with confidence for the League One battles ahead.

This is Loft's first full season with a professional club. He was left to rebuild his dreams at Ryman League Hastings this time last year after pre-season at his local club Gillingham came to nothing.

So he will want to feed off every bit of self belief and inspiration he can muster. The 19-year-old would love to get more chances to show what he can do, starting at Millmoor tomorrow.

He said: "From when I signed for Brighton I've learned a lot from everybody. You learn a great deal just being around the club. I'd like to show that on the pitch this season.

"Last season in a couple of games I felt I didn't play as well as I could have done. But the last game gave me confidence. I hope to take that into this season.

"Personally the Stoke game was a good day for me although I'd rather have had a result for the team. I want to keep playing well in training and battling hard and hopefully get my opportunity again."

The slightly-built Loft has been sent to the gym by Albion's management to bulk up a little in time for the rigours of League One.

He insists he has relished pre-season even though it has tested him to the limit at times.

He said: "I've enjoyed everything. The banter of the boys has been brilliant. I went to Le Havre, which was hard but we had a good time.

"I love training every day. It's what I want to do. I almost got to the point where I felt sick at times so it was very hard work but it wasn't unbearable.

"I went home, had an ice bath and recovered for the next day. Then I would just go again.

"We did five weeks and they you are re fully fit. It was a hard pre-season but I've enjoyed it.

"I've preferred doing it here this year because I've felt fitter and stronger. "I've done a lot of work in the gym and on my running.

"I know a bit about League One. I've had a look at a few of the teams. I know it will be a lot more physical than the Championship.

"That's why the gaffer and Bob Booker, Dean Wilkins and Dean White have got me in the gym in the summer.

"I've worked hard with Stretch (Matt Miller, fitness coach) and I've got a lot more upper body strength than I had last season. That's all in preparation for this season."

Loft's three appearances last season all came off the bench. His debut was a very short-lived affair at home to Preston but he got 25 minutes in the 1-1 draw at QPR and almost grabbed a late winner with an angled shot against the ten-man hosts.

He was used wide on the left that day, a role he was also handed in pre-season when Albion tried their 4-3-1-2 formation.

Ideally, he would love a central role but just getting a start is the aim for now.