9:30am Wednesday 10th March 2010
By Andy Naylor
Gus Poyet has challenged Albion to take the next step on the road to recovery by beating his old club Swindon.
The Seagulls have been picking up points away from home against the League One promotion contenders but they have yet to beat any of the teams in the top half of the table at Withdean.
They claimed an overdue victory against Exeter in their last home outing and Monday's goalless draw at fourth-placed Colchester has set them up for Saturday’s visit by Swindon.
Poyet, who had a spell as assistant manager at the Wiltshire club under Dennis Wise, said: "I need us to take the next step.
“We got away from a big problem by winning (against Exeter), now we must keep going.
“There is a belief in the way we are playing and in our system. It was difficult for Colchester to come and press us.
“They were dropping and yet we were away from home. That is a good feeling for the players.”
Poyet was particularly satisfied by the big presence at the Weston Homes Community Stadium of towering Slovakian goalkeeper Peter Brezovan, with rival Michel Kuipers ruled out for the rest of the season by a broken finger.
The Uruguayan said: “That was Peter at his best, the Peter I knew, the Peter I called when I had a problem in goal, the one who is coming for crosses between six or seven six-foot-plus bodies and collecting and helping you and making things look easy.
“People don’t realise that he is coming for difficult balls sometimes and that for defenders is a great relief.
“I’m pleased for him. I think he is a great lad to have around. He is very happy at the club.
“I think the defenders know what they have got and it is good for everyone, especially not having Michel. That is a big blow for us.”
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