Albion boss Steve Coppell is demanding a clean sheet against Bradford on Saturday to kick-start an improbable escape from relegation.

The rock-bottom Seagulls have leaked nine goals in his two games in charge and 30 in the League.

"Trying to keep a clean sheet has got to be the starting point," Coppell said.

"We are conceding over two a game and we have to improve that. We have to start doing a lot of work defensively."

Albion have given away an astonishing eight penalties already this season, seven of them for fouls, plus four goals from corners.

Those shortcomings combined to devastating effect in Saturday's 5-0 derby debacle at Crystal Palace.

"I think the individuals in the defence have to accept responsibility," said Coppell. "You look at the goals on Saturday, two from corners and two penalties. It was horrendous.

"From almost every corner they looked dangerous and that is just something we should defend better.

"That's got nothing to do with massive ability, it's just a mentality, an attitude of mind. As for the penalties, you ask individuals to stay on their feet."

Coppell is weighing up whether to make changes for the Bradford game. "I could justify a lot after Saturday, but will that help the team get a victory? I'm not sure it will, just making wholesale changes.

"Sometimes it's an easy option for players to be left out. I have to look at that as well, but players thrive on winning games and picking up points.

"If you go almost three months without a win the players in the firing line take a battering and it might be in their best interests to take them out.

"There are people who are not in the team at the moment who are chomping at the bit who perhaps feel they should be given a chance. I've got to weigh up all those kind of things."

Today's away game for the reserves at Bristol City was rained off, denying Coppell an opportunity to assess them in competitive action for the first time.

Albion's plight worsened last night with wins for two of their fellow strugglers.

An extraordinary 6-5 home victory for Grimsby against Burnley leaves the Seagulls eight points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Wimbledon eased their relegation fears by beating Rotherham 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

Bradford, who Albion face on Saturday, lost 1-0 away to Reading. Nicky Shorey got the only goal.

Three more of Albion's fellow strugglers are in action tonight. Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall face each other at Hillsborough, while Stoke entertain Watford.

All the latest from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk