ALBION manager Micky Adams is predicting a prolonged scramble for the Third Division promotion places.

The Seagulls and today's Withdean rivals Hartelpool are in with the pack and Adams reckons the race to go up will go right to the wire.

The table is so congested that York, in 17th place, trail new leaders Rotherham by only nine points ahead of today's fixture programme.

Adams said: "One team might just start putting a run together, but everybody is capable of beating everybody else at the moment.

"It is not like the last few years, where three teams have pulled away. Everyone is in the same boat.

"We were seventh the other day, then lost at Southend and dropped to eleventh.

"It's quite heartening that we are one point closer to the top than we were five games ago. There is still a long way to go and a lot to play for."

Hartlepool have never beaten Albion in nine previous visits. But Adams, without suspended top scorer Darren Freeman for the next three matches, warned: "They will be difficult opponents.

"They started poorly in the League, but they've had a good week, knocking Millwall out of the FA Cup and then beating the League leaders Barnet.

"There are other teams you would want to be facing at the moment."

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