STEVE Sidwell has branded Albion’s FA Cup exit an “embarrassment” and admits they were “bullied” to defeat by non-League Lincoln City.

The Premier League veteran skippered a side packed with an international pedigree and top flight experience in England, Germany and Spain in the 3-1 humbling by the National League leaders.

Sidwell told The Argus: “This is a real embarrassment but you’ve got to give full credit to Lincoln, their manager, the supporters, the way they bullied us, and they deserved to win the game.

“We put it to bed and concentrate on the league now.”

Chris Hughton made nine changes but fringe players fluffed their lines ahead of the table-topping Seagulls’ return to Championship action at promotion rivals Huddersfield on Thursday evening.

“He’s very fortunate that he’s got a healthy squad and can make the changes,” Sidwell said. “The team that was put out was more than capable of winning the game, but it was a hard game to perform in and stake a claim for a first team spot with their style of play.

“He’ll be looking at everything, not just the playing side, attitude, togetherness, individuals putting their foot in bravely, not just in tackles but to get on the ball.

“It’s one to chew on for the manager. He’ll get to a point now where he knows his strongest 11 and obviously the game time now for the fringe players will be less. We’ll have to show what we can do in training.”

Albion remain intent on trying to add to their strikeforce before the transfer window closes tomorrow night.

Sidwell said: “Sometimes at this time of the season you get niggles, with the short space of time between games.

“I’m sure the manager and the Board are looking to add quality. They are not just going to bring anyone, they will need to bring something special to the squad and not rock what has happened so far.

“It’s a tough one for them but sometimes if a new face comes in it freshens things up, it lifts the camp.”