Steve Coppell has been frustrated again in his desire to assess the fringe members of Albion's first team squad.

The Seagulls' chief was due to watch the reserves in action away to Bristol City yesterday afternoon, but the match was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at the Gloucestershire FA headquarters.

Coppell suffered an identical setback last week. A reserve match against Porstmouth, which he had brought forward and switched to Fratton Park, was also rained off.

He has only seen the reserves in action in a friendly played in appalling conditions at Hassocks since his appointment at the start of the month.

"It's massively disappointing," admitted Coppell. "I said when I came in I wished I could give everyone a fair chance. There will be players thinking 'he has overlooked me'.

"I've seen one reserve game which was inconsequential. Yesterday would have been a good oppportunity to look at people and see what they can do.

"I don't know all of the players yet and I want to get to know them rather than rely on the opinion of others."

Simon Rodger and goalkeeper Andy Petterson were among those who were scheduled to play.

Petterson, as we revealed on Tuesday, has been re-signed on a one month contract to cover for Michel Kuipers.