The Seagulls go to Griffin Park on November 20 if they beat Peterborough in their first round replay at Withdean a week tomorrow and the Bees win their replay at Plymouth Argyle.

But Adams refused even to discuss the possibility of returning to the club where he was controversially turfed out after Ron Noades became the owner and decided to take charge of team affairs himself.

Instead he has warned there could still be a sting in the tail following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Posh at London Road.

"It's an evening game at Withdean and the fans seem to be more up for those," Adams said. "But it's a tough game still.

"If people think we have done enough to win the tie they are mistaken, because Barry Fry has a good young team."

Equalising hero Darren Freeman, Paul Watson, Danny Cullip and Charlie Oatway were all signed by Adams from Brentford and Warren Aspinall also played for them.

Freeman, on target in Albion's

3-3 League draw at Plymouth in September when Oatway struck twice, is frustrated to be missing the replay.

His seventh goal of the season cancelled out Andy Clarke's opener for Peterborough. But the Brighton-born marksman begins a three-match ban this Saturday, because of his red card at Cheltenham nine days ago.

"It's disappointing," Freeman said. "The atmosphere on Saturday was fantastic, but I've got to live with the consequences of what I did at

Cheltenham. When you get sent-off all you can do is come straight back. I let the team down, but now I have paid the boys back.

"I was happy to get a goal for the lads and all I can do now is my best in the matches I do play in."

Freeman is available for tomorrow night's League game at Southend, but Oatway might not be. He went off towards the end at Peterborough and had stitches inserted in a foot wound.

The ticket office was inundated this morning as seats for the Peterborough replay went on sale to season ticket holders. Fans were still queuing two hours after opening .

TURN TO PAGE 39

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.