Russell Slade has called for Albion to toughen up mentally after they came crashing back to earth last night.

The Seagulls were hammered 3-0 at mid-table Walsall and remain three points adrift of League One safety going into Saturday’s trip to Scunthorpe.

The worst performance under Slade so far saw Albion, 5-0 winners at Yeovil in their previous outing, go three down and virtually out of the contest by half time.

The Seagulls boss said: “The first half was very very poor. In the second half we rallied but the damage had been done.

“We showed a lack of not physical strength but mental strength.

“There were not too many leaders out there and you can’t just capitulate when things don’t quite go for you or the opposition are putting you under immense pressure.

“That is when you have to be strong, resilient, battle through and come in at half time 0-0. Then you give yourselves a chance.”

Asked if he expected a positive reaction on Saturday, Slade said: “Scunthorpe are a very good side who put you under pressure and we need to learn our lesson very quickly.”

Scunthorpe go into Saturday’s game now in the play-off places after a convincing 3-0 home win over Hereford last night.

The Seagulls’ relegation plight worsened slightly as Swindon shocked Southend 3-0 but Slade’s men remain three points from safety with ten matches, six of them away, now remaining.