Albion have their work cut out to reach the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 1993.

That is the warning from boss Micky Adams after the Seagulls were drawn away to Scunthorpe in the second round on December 9.

But Adams believes the trip to Glanford Park will hold no fears for his in-form team.

They routed Ryman League Aldershot 6-2 at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, while Scunthorpe beat Hartlepool 3-1 at home with a hat-trick by prolific Cameroon international Guy Ipoua.

Scunthorpe reached the third round in 1998 and 1999. They ended Albion's run of five straight wins in a goalless stalemate in the League at Withdean last month and are currently sixth in the table.

"The draw could have been kinder, that's for sure," Adams admitted.

"It will be a difficult game. They have got some good players, as we saw at Withdean.

"We were very professional against Aldershot and there is nobody in the Third Division we fear, but we respect Scunthorpe. We will have to be at our best to get a result."

Adams has targeted a place in the third round, when the big guns from the Premiership enter the competition.

A lucrative Cup run could give him scope to dip into the transfer market again to boost Albion's promotion bid.

"We would like to get to the third round and we have given ourselves a chance now," Adams said.

"All revenue helps. It may help me to strengthen the team.

"There is a feelgood factor at the moment for Brighton fans. We are second in the League and through to the second round of the Cup after a good, professional job."

Adams' ex-assistant and close friend Alan Cork returns to Withdean with Cardiff in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy four days before the Scunthorpe showdown.

FORMER Albion player Jeff Minton scored twice as Brian Horton's Port Vale were held to a 4-4 draw by Canvey Island in the first round of the FA Cup yesterday.

Peter Smith, another ex-albion player, was on the scoresheet for Canvey Island who equalised in the last minute.