Leon Knight today accused referee Trevor Kettle of denying Albion a hat-trick of clear-cut penalties in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at new Championship leaders Ipswich.

Substitute Knight watched in astonishment from the sidelines as captain Danny Cullip was booked for diving in the 53rd minute, when replays showed Kevin Horlock clearly brought him down.

Knight, brought on for the last 20 minutes, then had two further penalty claims against Fabian Wilnis rejected by Kettle.

Ipswich's Dutch leftback appeared to handle Knight's cross, then impeded him when his shot from close range was saved by Kelvin Davis in the closing stages.

"The one on Danny was embarrassing," said Knight. "I was right down the other end warming up, but I could see it was a penalty from there.

"Then there was a handball when I whipped the ball in. He tried to pull his arm away, but it still hit his hand.

"As for the other one, I was basically carrying him (Wilnis) on my back. I get criticised for going down, so I tried to stay on my feet.

"Even when I shot I still thought he was going to blow up, but he played on as if it was our advantage when it wasn't.

"That's three clear-cut penalties. I know clear-cut is a strong way of putting it, but that's what they were. If the ref had given one of them I think we would have won the game."

Cullip said of Horlock's challenge: "I just let the ball come across my body, he came in from the side, hasn't touched the ball and kicked my legs.

"To add insult to injury, the ref booked me. It's the first time I've been booked for diving. Their player didn't even appeal, he just ran off because he knew."

Manager Mark McGhee, steaming as much as his players over Kettle's performance, remains confident that Albion can avoid the drop after Shefki Kuqui's first half strike for Ipswich.

The Seagulls are still 20th, four points clear of the relegation zone, ahead of Saturday's visit by rock-bottom Rotherham, who seek their first win of the season at home to Leeds tonight.

McGhee said: "It was another day when I was totally proud to be associated with this group of players. The way they went about their business and the improvement I see in all aspects of their game is really superb.

"We deserved something, but they have just got to keep going. We need ten wins from 25 games now. If we show the same attitude we will get them."