Reasons to worry as Albion draw

It began as a cause for concern but now it is more like a crisis.

Not Albion's form, although their play-off hopes receded further with a stalemate which stretches their recent run to just one win in eight games.

What is really worrying for the Albion hierachy is the downward trend in interest.

A crowd of 4,797 was the second lowest ever for a League match at Withdean, only marginally better than the turnout against Walsall in November.

This was despite a half-price offer, either for a second ticket or for one for the next of five home matches in succession against Cheltenham next Tuesday.

That clashes with the return of the Champions League and, considering that Albion have already played Cheltenham four times this season, there is every chance of an even lower gate.

Those that did attend last night watched the Seagulls fade after a bright start in which Dean Bowditch, re-signed on a month's loan from Ipswich and replacing Jake Robinson, was particularly prominent.

Chances were few and far between for both sides and Tranmere, still right in the play-off hunt, will be happier with a point.

Bowditch launched his second loan spell on the right wing, Dean Cox staying on the opposite flank.

He was used on the left in his injury-hit stint with the Seagulls last season but he is comfortable with either foot and appears to be over the groin problem which interrupted his career for nine months and ended with a double hernia operation.

Bowditch looked particularly sharp and lively early on and Albion benefited from his understanding with former Ipswich colleague Nicky Forster.

Their telepathic relationship almost got Albion off to a flier when Bowditch picked out Forster's run inside the Tranmere penalty area. He was forced wide as he tried to round keeper Danny Coyne and ran out of room.

It was, nevertheless, an encouraging sign and it was also good to see Bowditch hugging the touchline when Albion were in possession. A lack of width has been one of their shortcomings this season.

Bowditch was heavily involved in another promising Albion attack. Glenn Murray found him with a square pass and he cut inside on to his left foot for a shot which was blocked.

The danger was only partially cleared by the Rovers rearguard and Cox's follow-up had to be cleared close to his own line by Andrew Taylor.

Andrew Whing was sent off in Albion's 2-0 defeat at Tranmere earlier in the season. The former Coventry right-back almost made bizarre amends in the 20th minute when he blocked a challenge by Tranmere centre half Antony Kay just outside the left hand edge of his own box.

The ball ricocheted goalwards, forcing Coyne to change direction to smother by the foot of his post at the expense of what should have been a corner. Rovers were instead awarded a goal-kick by the linesman, much to the fury of the north stand regulars.

Albion did have the ball in the net in the 33rd minute when Murray met Cox's free-kick with a downward header but there were no complaints when it was disallowed for a foul by the Seagulls' big-money purchase from Rochdale.

Tranmere, bidding for a third away League win in succession, defended diligently throughout the first half but offered little threat to an Albion back four still smarting from conceding twice in injury time at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Ian Moore, son of manager Ronnie, flicked a header straight at Michel Kuipers from a cross by Jennison Myrie-Williams, Rovers' on-loan winger from Bristol City.

Kuipers was forced into much more serious action just before the break, Taylor's low drive producing a full-length deflection by the Dutchman. Moore tried to force in the loose ball but he was offside.

A goal then for the visitors would have been harsh on Albion, although they did rather lose their way in the latter stages of the first half after their Bowditch-inspired opening.

A good piece of refereeing by Pat Miller helped re-invigorated Albion in the second half. He played an intelligent advantage when Murray was fouled.

Forster capitalised with a surging run and shot which Coyne parried before a second attempt from Albion's topscorer was deflected behind.

Cox also went close to breaking the deadlock in the 57th minute with a curling free-kick which missed everyone and went inches wide of the far post.

Moments of menace from Tranmere remained fleeting, although Shane Sherriff fired an angled drive narrowly high and wide from a header down by Calvin Zola.

Rovers were presented with one of their better opportunities with 20 minutes left when Kuipers punched unconvincingly from a corner.

The ball eventually fell to Zola but the Congolese centre forward drove wide on the turn.

Murray, on target twice on his full debut in the previous home game against Crewe, had a night to forget.

He was replaced by Gary Hart, back from a three-match suspension, in an effort to engineer a breakthrough.

It was Hart's fellow stalwart, Kerry Mayo, who almost produced a final flourish.

Mayo, brought on for Guy Butters in the closing stages, had a downward header from a free-kick by Matt Richards grabbed by Coyne to confirm a dour deadlock.

ALBION (4-4-2): Michel Kuipers; Andrew Whing, Tommy Elphick, Guy Butters, Matt Richards; Dean Bowditch, Adam El-Abd, Steven Thomson, Dean Cox; Glenn Murray, Nicky Forster. Subs: Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart, John Sullivan, Jake Robinson, Shane McFaul.

TRANMERE (4-4-2): Danny Coyne; Robbie Stockdale, Antony Kay, Ian Goodison, Andrew Taylor; Jennison Myrie-Williams, Paul McLaren, Steve Jennings, Shane Sherriff; Ian Moore, Calvin Zola. Subs: John Mullin, Chris Greenacre, Ben Chorley, John Acterberg, Craig Curran.

What are your thoughts on Albion's goalless draw with Tranmere? Did you give the game a miss and if so why?