Paul Rogers' hopes of an extended run in Albion's starting line-up have been scuppered by a two-match suspension.

The experienced midfielder has been ruled out of the FA Cup third round clash against Preston at Withdean on January 5 plus the League trip to his old club Wigan seven days later.

The increased punishment follows Rogers' red card for two bookable offences as a substitute against Chesterfield last Friday. It has doubled because he was also dismissed in similar circumstances on the opening day at Cambridge United.

Rogers made an influential return to the starting line-up in the 0-0 draw at QPR on Boxing Day. He features in an unchanged squad for tomorrow's trip to mid-table Blackpool, with Gary Hart, Kerry Mayo and Michel Kuipers all still sidelined by injuries.

Boss Peter Taylor is aiming to rock Blackpool for the second time this season, having steered Leicester to a 1-0 win at Bloomfield Road three months ago in the Worthington Cup.

"I would settle for that," Taylor said. "Blackpool are a very good footballing team with good, experienced players who have played at a higher level. It's another game like QPR on Boxing Day where we will have to work our socks off to get anything."

Albion could go back to the top of the Second Division, as leaders Brentford and second-placed Stoke also face tough away assignments at Tranmere and Huddersfield respectively.

Any FA response to the unsavoury scenes during and after last Friday's 2-2 draw against Chesterfield at Withdean has been put on hold. A press spokesman said: "There won't be anything until next week, because nobody is in the disciplinary department over Christmas."

Taylor accused Chesterfield manager Nicky Law of winding up his players, staff and Albion fans and described his behaviour as an "absolute disgrace".

Woodingdean's Clive Penton, who was the fourth official, has submitted his report along with that of referee Andy D'Urso. Penton refused to comment on the verbal flare-ups. "It's all in my report," he said.

Albion's trip to promotion rivals Stoke has been brought forward 24 hours to Friday March 1 to accomodate live coverage on ITV's digital channel.

The visit of Tranmere, postponed on January 5 because of the FA Cup, has been rearranged to Tuesday February 5. Reading's visit to Withdean, frozen off on December 14, now takes place on Tuesday February 12.

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