Tommy Fraser is targeting more goals from central midfield to boost Albion's push for the play-offs.

A long drought for defenders has been addressed by goals for Tommy Elphick, Guy Butters and Joel Lynch in the last five home games.

Striker Nicky Forster ended a 13-match famine with his late equaliser from the spot against Leyton Orient at Withdean on Saturday.

Now Fraser is hoping extra finishing sessions after training with assistant manager Dean White will enhance his contribution in a midfield deprived of the free-scoring Dean Hammond following the former captain's January move to Colchester.

Fraser, whose place is now under threat after the arrival of Ian Westlake, said: "With Dean Hammond going, a ten goals a year man, we will soon hopefully start scoring goals. I am not promising anything but I try my best every game to go out and score a goal. I've got a bit more of a license now to get forward at times and try and pick some up.

"I played centre half for the youth team and scored three or four just from headers. I scored a couple in the FA Youth Cup and once for the reserves and once for the first team but that's about it really.

"Dean White scored a lot of goals when he played and he has been helping me out a lot after training."

Fraser has hit the target once in 43 starts and 17 substitute appearances for the Seagulls, at Port Vale 15 months ago.

His midfield partner, Steve Thomson, has also gone 15 months since the last of his 13 goals in 289 games for Crystal Palace, Peterborough and Falkirk.

That is a modest tally compared to Hammond's 26 goals in 155 outings for the Seagulls but Fraser believes he is beginning to forge an effective partnership with Glaswegian Thomson, one of Albion's January acquisitions.

They were paired together for the first time when Fraser replaced Kerry Mayo at half-time in the last-gasp 2-1 home win over Cheltenham a fortnight ago.

A calf injury forced Fraser off in the first half of the 1-0 victory against Oldham four days later but he recovered to take his place back alongside Thomson against Orient.

Fraser said: "Thommo is a great organiser and he is good to play with. We have settled into a partnership now and, hopefully, it will get stronger and stronger.

"He teaches you a lot in training, everything from positional sense to keeping the shape. He has done a lot in his career and an understanding like that does help."

Fraser, 20, has also struck up a rapport with another of the January newcomers, Jonny Dixon, after spending a lot of time in the treatment room with the ex-Aldershot striker.

They both had ankle ligament injuries and the race to get back fit hastened their recoveries. Dixon finally made his first senior appearance against Orient, replacing Fraser in the closing stages, as Forster rescued a point.

It was more like two points dropped in the context of Albion's promotion ambitions, particularly after so many chances went begging in the first half, and that has made victory against struggling Gillingham tomorrow night (Tues) essential.

Fraser admitted: "Every single player knows it is a must win game, there is no other option really if we want to keep fighting for that play-off place. It is one of our catch-up games and we can put a bit of pressure on by taking three points.

"People will look at us, five games unbeaten, with three wins and two draws, and they will be scared of our form. We have got some big teams coming up and it would help if the run is still going."