Guy Butters reckons the stayaway fans missed a Withdean treat.

And he was not talking about his first goal for a little more than two years and subsequent celebration.

Butters has been around long enough to see a potential storm just around the corner.

So he took the opportunity, with the Seagulls having just won 3-0 at the end of somewhat turbulent week, to call for cool heads, strong minds and a bit of patience.

This convincing win, albeit against a lowly team with several players missing, could not have come at a better time.

The big defender, enjoying his first full 90 minutes of first-team action since New Year's Day, said: "A lot of stuff has gone on this week but that's football.

"We know what is happening with getting the new stadium. Everybody has to be patient.

"Let's stick together and the good times will come.

"We have to make sure we don't get relegated or anything like that while the tougher times are here.

"We know the club can't generate money at the moment. We will have to sell players.

"Looking around, it seemed a bit more bare in the stands but that's just a shame for the people who stayed away.

"They missed a good result and a good game."

The attendance dipped below 5,000 for the first time ever for a Saturday League game at Withdean.

Why did the fans stay away on Saturday?