Albion are jammed in a bitter dispute with Chesterfield over their potential title decider.

The Seagulls want the Withdean showdown, postponed on March 24, to be played in the last week of the season. Chesterfield are insisting the match should be rearranged for the previous week, commencing April 23.

The Football League have now been asked to resolve the row, which increases the tension already existing between the clubs.

Chesterfield refused to sanction a change in the scheduled date or kick-off time to avoid a clash with England's World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Albion fans were planning to greet the Chesterfield players with a brown envelope demo, mocking the Spirerites long list of charges for alleged financial irregularities.

The Seagulls are eight points behind Chesterfield with two games in hand following Saturday's 2-0 home win over Mansfield.

Bobby Zamora bagged his 25th goal of the season and Gary Hart his eighth.

Zamora hurt his right ankle and right hand and he is likely to miss tomorrow night's trip to Rochdale.

Boss Micky Adams said: "He twisted the ankle. It blew up at half time, but he wanted to come out for the second half. He is a major doubt for Rochdale."

Adams put a star sign by Adam Virgo's name after a promising full debut by the 18-year-old centre half.

Adams said: "He was magnificent. He is a credit to everybody who has worked with him, from the juniors all the way through to the professional ranks."

Albion's bid for their first championship for 36 years received a big boost yesterday when Cardiff were beaten 3-1 at Cheltenham.

Scott Young gave the Welshmen an early lead, but they were stunned by a Neil Grayson hat-trick in 12 minutes either side of half time.

The Seagulls are now three points clear of Cardiff in second place with a game in hand.