Albion veteran Guy Butters has not given up hope of forcing his way back into the team following the first hat-trick of his 20-year career as a professional.

The central defender's improbable treble in an 8-1 victory for the reserves against an inexperienced Aldershot side at Worthing came after losing his place in the squad against Oldham at Withdean last Saturday.

Butters, 38, said: "I have scored twice in a game a couple of times but never three. They only had their youth team out but you have still got to score them.

"Everyone is coming back from injury now. I wasn't even on the bench on Saturday, so it is going to be even more difficult. All you can do is keep on putting the effort in during training and in games.

"I have seen it all throughout my career, so nothing surprises me any more. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. I will do what I have always done, get my head down, get on with it and keep fit.

"There is still a long way to go this season. There are a load of games in March and probably injuries to come and suspensions. Who knows what is going to happen?"

Butters opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a looping header from a Jake Robinson free-kick. He was credited with his and Albion's second four minutes later from a Kerry Mayo corner, although it was unclear whether Aldershot defender Peter Hibbett got the decisive touch.

Butters completed his hat-trick a minute from time with another header from a Gary Hart corner.

Recent signing Jonny Dixon, playing against his former club, lobbed his first goal for the Seagulls on 38 minutes, then set up the first of two in the second half for strike partner Joe Gatting with a fine run and cross.

Joel Lynch and Doug Loft were also on the scoresheet and Aldershot keeper Will Dukes, son of Albion's video analyst John, prevented an even bigger rout with several significant saves.

The visitors had the consolation of scoring the best goal of the game, a rasping shot by Lucas Pickett in the 57th minute which flew past John Sullivan into the top corner.

Albion Reserves: Sullivan; Fogden, Butters, Lynch, Mayo; Robinson, Wills, Loft, Hart, Dixon, Gatting. Subs: Pearson (for Wills 65), Winterton (for Sullivan 73), Foreman (for Robinson 81), Beda.