NEW BOY Glen Thomas could get his first run-out in Albion colours when they play their third friendly in as many days against Hailsham tonight (7.30).

Most of Albion's first team squad will be travelling to the Beaconsfield where the County League club are celebrating the opening of their new clubhouse.

Manager Brian Horton will check on Thomas, who has been suffering from a ricked neck, today before deciding whether to play him.

"There's no point risking anyone at this stage but Glen is recovering and he could play against Hailsham," said Horton.

Two of Albion's other new signings, Gary Hart and Simon Wormull, are sidelined by minor injuries but Hart, a £1,000 capture from non-league Stansted, could figure at some stage against Crawley on Saturday.

Meanwhile Albion drew 0-0 with Charlton Athletic's reserves in a closed doors game at the Londoners' training ground yesterday.

Skipper Gary Hobson was the only survivor in the starting line-up which beat Lewes 3-1 at the Dripping Pan on Tuesday.

Derek Allan, Stuart Tuck, John Westcott, Andy Ansah and Darragh Ryan, fit again after breaking his leg in December, all got their first run-out in pre-season.

Added Horton: "Charlton's reserves won the Combination last season and they've got some good youngsters so it was another good work-out.

"We changed things around a bit in the second half and quite a few of the lads who played on Tuesday got another run-out."

Horton again used Paul Holsgrove in a holding postion and Jeff Minton in a more advanced midfield role after successfully employing the tactic against Lewes when Minton made one and scored another in a sparkling display.

"I like my four in midfield to play like that and it worked well again. It's not something we've worked on a lot because pre-season so far has been about getting fitness levels," added Horton.

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