Albion boss Micky Adams branded his players "a bunch of southern softies" after a sorry show at Scunthorpe last night.

Adams was furious with a 2-1 defeat by a side missing EIGHT senior players through injury.

The Seagulls surrendered the points, despite going ahead in the fourth minute with Paul Brooker's second goal in as many games.

"I thought we looked like a bunch of southern softies out there," Adams blasted. "I am disgusted with the performance. We were too cocky.

"I will have no argument with anything people say or write about them.

"My preparation was spot on. I stayed with the same team and maybe I made a mistake doing that, but it wasn't good enough.

"They are going to have to pick themselves up."

Danny Cullip deflected a Brian Qualiey shot into his own net and a third goal in two games for teenager Matthew Sparrow in the first half clinched only Scunthorpe's third win in 15 matches.

Central defender Andy Crosby, Albion's website player of the month, was replaced by rookie Adam Virgo at the break.

Adams said: "I took him off to save him from further embarrassment."

The Seagulls remain third ahead of Saturday's home game against Hull.

Fourth-placed Hartlepool, held 1-1 at home by Rochdale, have narrowed the gap to five points, but they have played two matches more.

Cardiff also drew 1-1 at home to Leyton Orient to move a point clear of Albion, although Adams' men have a game in hand on the Welshmen.

The reserves are in action at Bristol Rovers tonight (7pm).