Albion manager Peter Taylor is hoping history repeats itself as the Seagulls seek an FA Cup place alongside Manchester United and the might of the Premiership.

The 1983 runners-up to United have not reached round three since 1992-93.

Albion's run ended that year at Old Trafford in the fourth round and that is the sort of lucrative possibility awaiting Taylor's second division table-toppers if they dispose of Rushden and Diamonds at Withdean tomorrow.

"We're desperate to play against Manchester United away. That would please the chairman and the bank manager," joked Taylor.

"Also it would give the players here the opportunity to play against players they probably watch on a Saturday night.

"It's been a good, bubbly week. Players always look forward to the FA Cup and the second round for a club like us is very important. Everybody is desperate to get in the hat with the big boys."

The added attraction of tomorrow's high noon showdown, apart from progressing to the third round draw on the BBC on Sunday afternoon, is live coverage of the game on Sky. It is also being shown live on cable TV in America.

"It's lovely for the players" Taylor said. "Hopefully they will do themselves proud and there are a few stars out there who get headlines in the papers. That would be nice to read on Sunday.

"It's going to be very tough though. Rushden will be very organised. Brian Talbot has done well there. It's a progressive club and they are going well."

Much of the attention will inevitably centre on Bobby Zamora as he bids to become the first player in Albion's history to score in nine appearances on the trot.

"The great thing about Bobby is he likes to score in every game he plays anyway, so it won't make much difference to him," added Taylor.

"The way he has worked and played this year I would love him to have a record for Brighton. That would be fantastic for him."

Albion are already celebrating a plum draw at home to Leicester in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup in January.

The deal to bring David Webb's 18-year-old son to the Seagulls on loan from Southend and then permanently for £25,000 has been delayed by negotiations over the sell-on clause.

Andy Crosby's free transfer move to Oxford is expected to go through today subject to a medical. Albion's 28-year-old centre half discussed personal terms yesterday with Oxford boss Ian Atkins.