Albion forward Darren Freeman requires a third hernia operation, ruling him out of the promotion run-in.

Manager Micky Adams revealed today: "Freeman is out for the rest of the season. He has had to give in to his latest groin problem and needs more surgery."

Freeman's latest setback completes a miserable campaign for last season's top scorer. The Brighton-born front man has already had two hernia operations since September, which have restricted his contribution to the Seagulls' promotion charge.

He requested a transfer after being dropped for the recent home game against Blackpool but then did a U-turn and asked to come off the list.

Meanwhile, Adams has declared: "I can't see anything stopping us now" as the Seagulls close in on promotion.

His side go into tomorrow night's home clash against lowly Lincoln needing just three more wins from eight games to be certain of going up.

Saturday's match at Halifax was washed out, but Albion's promotion task has been made easier by the 2-1 setback for fourth-placed Hartlepool at Southend.

Their title hopes also received a boost with a 2-0 defeat for leaders Chesterfield at Leyton Orient.

Cardiff came from behind to beat rock-bottom Torquay 2-1 at home and move back above Albion into second place, although the Seagulls are only two points behind the Welshmen with two games in hand.

Adams said: "The results were excellent for us, apart from Cardiff winning. But I am not worried about the others, three wins takes us up and it is all in our own hands. To be honest I can't see anything stopping us now, but there is still work to be done."

Victory tomorrow night and at Plymouth on Saturday would set the scene for an Easter promotion knees-up against Darlington at Withdean next Monday.

Saturday's postponement has given Bobby Zamora and Danny Cullip more time to recover from injury and both start against Lincoln.

The Halifax match is now likely to be played on Tuesday April 24.