Hinsh in defiant mood

Hinshelwood was in defiant mood after the Seagulls lost for the third match in succession, 2-0 against Walsall at Withdean Stadium yesterday.

Quickfire strikes by Steve Corica after six minutes and Jorge Leitao just a minute later stunned an Albion side including youngsters Daniel Marney on his full League debut and Hinshelwood's 18-year-old nephew Adam, making his first home start.

"We are very disappointed," Hinshelwood said.

"We went asleep twice inside eight minutes and were 2-0 down.

"We keep talking about this level we are at, which is new to everyone, and we just cannot afford to let people have easy chances at our goal.

"After that in the second half I thought we had a go. I cannot fault my young boys at all.

"One or two of the senior pros are hurting, because they are not showing what they are capable of at the moment, but we'll get it right and it won't be a problem."

Hinshelwood is confident Albion's fortunes will turn around once Bobby Zamora and new signing Paul Kitson are partnering each other in attack.

Zamora could return from a strained knee ligament in Saturday's big south coast derby against leaders Portsmouth at Fratton Park, but Kitson may not be alongside him.

The former West Ham marksman's home debut lasted only 45 minutes.

"It doesn't help when you bring a striker in and after about ten minutes his hamstring is beginning to ache and you have to take him off at half time," Hinshelwood said.

"We are asking a lot of the young boys at the moment and that was a big blow to us.

"It takes a big chunk out when somebody up front who has scored 60 goals in two seasons isn't available to play.

"Bobby showed at Burnley in the first game what a quality player he is. We have brought Paul in to play with him, so it has not been the best of starts for us up front."

Hinshelwood's small squad is being stretched to the limit by injuries.

Michel Kuipers (groin) and Gary Hart (ankle) also missed yesterday's defeat, while Kerry Mayo was axed.