ALBION boss Russell Slade has urged supporters to “stick by us” after a second disastrous defeat in succession.

The Seagulls had Tommy Elphick and substitute Colin Hawkins sent-off in Saturday’s 4-2 setback against Stockport at Withdean, which followed last Tuesday’s 7-1 hiding at Huddersfield.

Hundreds of fans left before the end but the majority of those staying until the final whistle applauded the players off for their efforts with nine men.

Slade said: “Stick by us. Two games ago we hadn’t scored a goal. We’ve now scored three but we haven’t won a game.

“Eventually we’ll get the defensive side of things right and then, if we are scoring goals, that first win is going to be around the corner.

“When things go wrong you have to work harder. That is the message I have given the players.

“That is the only way I know as I grew up. If things are not right work harder at it until they come right.”

Albion remain next-to-bottom with only one point four matches into the season but former Stockport centre-half James Tunnicliffe has no regrets about moving south after making his debut against his old club.

“There were other options but this is a good club and it is going places,” Tunnicliffe said.

“I know that, despite the start we’ve had. We will get there. The lads are together, everyone is getting to know each other now.

“I want to be in a winning side and I am sure that is going to start coming soon, then hopefully we can progress up the league and be right at the top come the end of the season.”

Elphick and Hawkins, who saw red two minutes after coming on, are suspended for Friday’s visit to Millwall, but Kevin McLeod and Michel Kuipers will be back in contention.

McLeod missed Saturday’s match due to a family bereavement, while Kuipers served a one-game ban for his dismissal at Huddersfield.

Jake Wright is out for a fortnight after a scan revealed his hamstring tear is not too severe. Jim McNulty is sidelined for the same period with a twisted ankle.

Albion have appointed Brighton-born former Charlton defender Steve Brown as under 18's coach.