This has been quite an eventful week, even for a club like the Albion.

For the players it's been hectic, with most of the last seven days being spent in coaches or hotel rooms preparing for our last two encounters. And any supporter who's been to these games has certainly had their money's worth.

Saturday saw us go to Preston and get an excellent draw against a very good side. And it was an even better point seeing as we came from 2-0 down.

Now you may say a point is a point but away points like these are vital, not only for our tally, but the confidence and morale they inject are priceless. There is nothing better on a six-hour return journey than sipping a cappucino (cheers Will) knowing that you deservedly got an away result at a top club.

We almost repeated the feat on Wednesday night at the City Ground. Although it was a different first half to Preston, as against Forest, we felt we were competing better than at Deepdale and that we had let ourselves down with bad team goals.

But the second half was an excellent example of how we now feel we belong in this division, as we more than competed with this resurging giant and they were the ones desperate for the final whistle.

So even though the unbeaten run has come to an end, albeit valiantly, there are plenty of plusses that we can take from the past week as now we have pulled ourselves back in the pack. We must keep focused, add a little bit of discipline to some of our play and, if we can maintain the commitment and performance levels of the past few weeks, we will add plenty more points to our growing tally.

One of the plus points to come out of the past week has been the performances of Steve Sidwell, who has shown just why the Gaffer has so much faith in him by scoring in each of the last two games as well as being a driving force in midfield.

With Bobby and Graham back this week, there's plenty to be optimistic about.

On arriving at the ground and seeing the arena that is the City Ground, a few of us were chatting and it was said that this was what all those away wins at Torquay, Blackpool and Darlo were about, getting us to famous stadia like this.

You supporters, who were absolutely brilliant on Wednesday and Saturday, must feel it to. To watch your beloved Seagulls compete at such places must give you immense pleasure and a sense of great pride.

While preparing for the Forest match on Tuesday, we went through our usual training routine of a 'keep ball circle' and a six-a-side game, and in the circle we witnessed one of the most horrific ten-minute spells ever seen from a footballer, with absolutely nothing going right for him.

This, in turn, resulted in him being last picked for the six-a-side. Now, to be fair, he doesn't have a stinker often and is an absolute model professional, but this has counted for nothing. If anyone has a nightmare from now on, it will be said they have had a Dodge.

On the subject of the Forest game and due to Bobby's injury, I changed room partners and went with Danny Cullip, who usually goes solo. And I'd like to thank Danny for the thoroughly enjoyable two days as, after running his bath, fetching his paper, carrying his kit and looking after his programme, I was able to relax beautifully for the game and it seemed to pay off.

I would also like to wish a few of the lads a happy birthday. Firstly, Bozzy reached 26 and had all he ever wished for. He had the Star Trek box set, more fur for his parka and a thousand free texts from T-mobile. Hicksey (kit man Matt Hicks) reached his late 30s and was given a strimmer to pluck his eyebrows with and Charlie reached a youthful 29. What a paper round that was.

And finally, I'd like to give Paul Brooker a written apology for hammering him for his bad breath as it is actually as fresh as a daisy, honest, no really.

Saturday November 30