Albion boss Mark McGhee has pleaded with fans for patience as the Seagulls bid to reach the Division One play-off final.

The Seagulls take on Swindon in the second leg of their semi-final at Withdean with a 1-0 advantage from Sunday's away leg.

But McGhee wants the 7,000 crammed into their home stadium to show the same "bottle" he expects from his players so the club can celebrate a final appearance on May 30.

He said: "The fans will be a big plus for us going forward. We'd love to attack all the time. But we won't be able to because Swindon won't allow that. If they play brilliantly we're going to have to defend as much as we did on Sunday.

"We will respond to how they play as well as trying to force our own game on them. That's the way of it.

"The fans have to be patient and be prepared for the times in the game where we have to defend. The supporters are going to have to show the same bottle as the defenders will have to when we deal with corners and free-kicks.

"Together we must show the resolve, resilience and mental strength to see us through."

McGhee conducted a training session at Withdean on Wednesday when the players practised crossing and finishing.

He said: "We want to be absolutely ready and the boys can't wait for kick-off."

Defender Guy Butters believes the players have heeded McGhee's warning over complacency.

He said: "We can't take our foot off the pedal. We'll have to be at the top of our game."