ALBION are no strangers to last day fights to save themselves from relegation.

Two times in the last six years the Seagulls have gone into the final game with their fate uncertain.

One had a happy ending, the other finished with Seagulls fans in tears in the stands.

Amazingly, considering his loyal service to the club over the last nine years, Michel Kuipers did not feature in either win-or-bust encounter.

In 2003 he was a spectator as Albion, with Dave Beasant in goal, drew 2-2 with Grimsby. The pain was not eased by the fact that Stoke’s victory over Reading made Albion's result irrelevant anyway as Steve Coppell's men returned to League One.

Two years later Alan Blayney was between the posts as Mark McGhee’s Seagulls came from behind to draw 1-1 with Ipswich to preserve their Championship status.

Kuipers, who is sure to be part of the final day drama against Stockport at Withdean this Saturday, is quick to point out one big difference that played a part in those contrasting outcomes and serves as a good omen for Saturday.

The 34-year-old said: “We’ve got it in our own hands rather than relying on other people to drop points and that is crucial.

“In 2003 we needed other results to go our way and ended up going down but in 2005 we knew that if we got the right result we would be okay.

“That makes a massive difference because you go into the game in a positive frame of mind. We know that if we win then we are safe no matter what.”

Kuipers made two important saves, one from Andy Booth in the first half to prevent Albion falling 2-0 behind and the other near the end when he pushed Booth’s header around the post, to help Albion keep their unbeaten run going on Saturday.

Although the point only improved their situation slightly, the former Dutch marine believes it was important for confidence ahead of the critical visit of Stockport.

The Seagulls have lost just once in their last six games, with four wins and a draw, to give themselves a great chance of getting out of trouble.

Kuipers added: “I think everybody has shown over the last six or seven games they can deal with that.

“We have been in this situation for a few weeks now where we have had to win to keep our hopes alive and we’ve come up trumps.

“We are going into the game confident that we can win and we’ve just got to go out there and do it. There is extra pressure on Saturday but personally I will approach it the same way as any other game.”

The bad news for Albion is that they have the worst home record in the division, with just five wins all season.

The good news is that they have taken seven points from their last four games at Withdean under the leadership of Russell Slade.

Kuipers has praised the impact the former Yeovil boss has made and has urged the Seagulls fans to roar them on to victory on Saturday.

The goalkeeper added: “The gaffer has made a massive difference. He has given everybody belief and made the whole squad feel they are part of it.

“That has been vital because when players have come in they have made a difference by providing assists or scoring goals.

“This is a team effort and we have shown that in recent weeks by the way we have stuck together to come from behind.

“The fans are part of that too. The support in the last few weeks has been great but that has always been the case. I’ve been here a long time and the fans are a major factor why this club is the way it is.

“I’m sure everybody will get behind us on Saturday and it would be great to get a result in front of our own fans and send them away happy for the summer. It is so important this club stays in League One next season. If we can achieve that then we can concentrate on doing something positive the following year.”