Alex Frutos has suffered another setback in his quest to re-establish himself with Albion.

Just when the French winger thought a season of frustration could not get any worse, his hopes of a finishing flourish have been hit by a repeat injury.

Frutos made his first League start since September against Doncaster at Withdean last Saturday.

That rare outing for the man from Metz was marred not only by a disappointing display and 2-0 defeat but also a left shin injury which ruled him out at Tranmere on Monday.

Frutos made his comeback in a 5-0 victory for the reserves at Aldershot yesterday afternoon. He opened the scoring early on but his joy was shortlived, a kick on the same shin forcing him off in the first-half and out of contention for tomorrow's visit by Bradford City.

"I felt it before the game and it was too painful to continue," he said. "It's very frustrating because the gaffer gave me a chance back in the team last Saturday. I was a little bit disappointed with my performance but I need a run of games.

"I could not play on Monday. I've tried to come back quickly to maybe be in the squad on Saturday but I will not be playing now. It is too short a time to recover."

Frutos has hardly had a look-in this season after figuring prominently last term as Albion were relegated from the Championship.

"It's been very difficult for me but that's football," he said. "I started the season very badly and once that happens it is very difficult to get back into the team.

"I have tried to keep my head up and I have got one more year on my contract, so I want to be back for next season.

"Last season was very good for me. This season has been different but next season I think we can go up and I want to help Brighton get promoted."

The reserves' victory at the Recreation Ground was embarrassingly one-sided. They could have run up a cricket score against Aldershot's youth team who, not surprisingly, were made to look out of their depth.

The Seagulls took charge from the first whistle, Frutos giving them an eighth-minute lead in simple fashion.

Aldershot's suspect off-side trap was sprung with ease as the Frenchman picked his spot.

A glut of chances were created and spurned before the break, with leading marksman Joe Gatting the main culprit.

Gatting, returning from injury, was put through twice but lobbed just over the bar on the first occasion and then hit a post. He also had an effort disallowed from a slide-rule pass by Nick Ward.

The only surprise was that it took Albion until the 43rd minute to double their advantage in soft style.

A long clearance by Michel Kuipers was headed on by Nathan Elder to Ward, who allowed the ball to bounce before beating Barry Breen with a right foot shot which the keeper should have saved at his near post.

Gatting made handsome amends for his first half profligacy. A minute into the restart, Ward released him again and this time he scored with a low drive under the hapless Breen.

Three minutes later Gatting headed in Kerry Mayo's cross via a post, his 14th of the season.

Sam Gargan, on in place of Gatting, completed the rout in the 78th minute, with Ward the provider once more.

Both Gargan and Gary Hart were also denied by the woodwork in the closing stages.

Wes Fogden made his comeback from a benign spine tumour in place of Sonny Cobbs for the final 20 minutes.

Goal difference could be important in Albion's bid to pip Southampton for the Pontin's Holidays Combination League title They are now eight points adrift of Saints with three games in hand and are two goals better off.

Southampton have only one match left which, unfortunately for Albion, is against rock-bottom Aldershot.