Albion manager Micky Adams has launched a nationwide hunt for a goalscorer.

The Seagulls still have 14 games left, but Adams is already building for next season. And top of his hit list is a hit man following Saturday's unfortunate 1-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Northampton.

"It has not happened for us this season, which is disappointing," admitted Adams. "But we are lining up players for next season already and I think it is fair to say a goalscorer is on the agenda."

Albion have found the net twice during a nine-match run without a win and they have not scored away from home for more than nine hours. A super show by Northampton keeper Keith Welch on his 500th League appearance denied them after Ian Sampson's decisive early header from a corner.

Welch saved from Bobby Zamora (twice), Darren Freeman and Paul Brooker, who made an encouraging debut on loan from Fulham.

"It's a cruel game," Adams said. "It just goes to show the difference between the top and bottom. When you are near the bottom you don't get that bit of luck you need at times. Their keeper was man of the match, which tells its own story. Paul Brooker was excellent and we created enough chances. I know it's the same old story and people sat at home think we have lost another game and not won in nine, but I believe we are on the right tracks."

Warren Aspinall misses the next home game against Halifax on March 4 after collecting his tenth caution of the season in the first half. Captain Paul Rogers and Darren Carr are available again for Saturday's trip to rock-bottom Chester following one-match bans and Danny Cullip is expected to recover from a thigh injury which ruled him out at Northampton.

But Rod Thomas is still suspended for the visit to his old club.

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