ADAM Virgo revealed today how a change of boots prompted a change in goalscoring fortunes for him and Albion.

Virgo swapped his footwear before yesterday's relegation battle against Gillingham because of the frosty conditions at Withdean.

The defender turned striker's 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory ended a personal drought dating back to October and gave the Seagulls two goals in a game for the first time since September.

"The groundsman said the ground was giving a bit but when I came out there were loads of really hard patches in the middle of the pitch," said Virgo. "I had to go back in and put my moulds on.

"I was surprised the game was on but I am delighted now it was. My last goal was against Leeds and the boss said to me I needed a goal. Even though I am not a natural centre forward I do need to score.

"I didn't have the best of games, but I was delighted to get a goal and even happier that we won because when we have gone behind this season we have never come back."

Virgo's sixth goal of the season followed a 78th-minute equaliser by Richard Carpenter after Andrew Crofts' first-half header for Gills.

"They are down there with us and it's dog eat dog," Carpenter said. "We probably deserved it. Three points was the main thing and to score was a bonus."

Gillingham boss Stan Ternent claimed the match should not have been played. "I told the referee that before the game. It was just a lottery. That's not sour grapes."

Leon Knight, suspended yesterday, is available for Albion's visit to Wolves tomorrow.