Boss Russell Slade has saluted the bond between fans, players and management which is spurring Albion towards League One salvation.

Albion are out of the relegation zone for the first time since mid-February following last night’s 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers, their third on the trot.

Almost 700 supporters made the journey west. They were rewarded with goals either side of half-time by Lloyd Owusu, his fifth in as many games, and substitute Calvin Andrew after Rickie Lambert’s 28th of the season for Rovers.

Slade said: “The fans are playing their part. They were on my left shoulder for 90 minutes. They were absolutely brilliant and they are keeping us going as well.

“It’s that sort of togetherness between the fans, the players and myself that is really driving us forward and we have to keep that going.

“We know we have still got to grind a few more points out and together I know we can do it.”

Albion are two points ahead of Carlisle and Crewe with two games left. They are also two points above Northampton following their 3-3 home draw against Scunthorpe last night – although they have a match in hand – and only one behind Swindon.

Slade said: “There are two teams that have not really been in that bottom four. Carlisle haven’t and Crewe are back there after a terrific run.

“There could be more twists. We had four wins out of five, which is promotion form, but we still need to find one more.”

Andrew replaced knee injury victim Dean Cox. The Seagulls are hoping the influential playmaker will be available for Saturday's trip to Huddersfield and the final game of the season at home to Stockport.