Albion have been rocked by a double injury blow for tomorrow night's Withdean showdown against promotion rivals Reading.

Kerry Mayo looks certain to miss the match and Gary Hart is also a major doubt.

Mayo hurt a knee in training yesterday. Manager Peter Taylor revealed: "It doesn't look too clever. He went through and had a shot and felt his knee. It's either badly bruised or a cartilage and even if it's only bruising he is going to be struggling."

Hart is still hampered by a dead leg sustained in Saturday's FA Cup win against Rushden and Diamonds. He tried to train yesterday, but Taylor said: "He looked a bit too restricted to me. The injury hasn't cleared up."

On the plus side, Paul Watson has recovered from a sore shoulder. He is likely to be switched to Mayo's leftback role, with Robbie Pethick coming in at rightback.

The doubt about Hart brings into contention Lee Steele, Geoff Pitcher and new signing Daniel Webb.

Oxford-bound Andy Crosby has paid a parting tribute to fans for their contribution to Albion's revival and admits he is sorry to be leaving the push for a place in Division One.

Crosby, frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities this season, has joined Third Division strugglers Oxford on a free transfer.

"I had a great time," he said. "I had played all of my football in the north and it was a big decision to go to Brighton.

"It was a very long way from home, but I loved every minute of it. If the Oxford fans are anything remotely like the Brighton fans it will be great, because they have played a big part in the club's recovery."

Albion could lose a £10,000 TV payout if they get past Preston in the third round of the FA Cup.

The fourth round date is January 26. The Seagulls are scheduled to visit promotion rivals Brentford 48 hours earlier for a live ITV game, but chief executive Martin Perry confirmed: "If we progress to the fourth round the Brentford match will not be played on that date."

Brentford will be hoping Albion are knocked out. They would lose £30,000 as the home team if the televised clash is scuppered.

The Withdean gate for the first and second round wins in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury and Rushden fell well below the 7,000 capacity, but Albion are anticipating a full house for the Preston tie on January 5. Perry said: "I am sure we will have a sell-out."