Albion boss Dean Wilkins has urged fans to keep the faith after a Boxing Day knockout by Yeovil.

The Seagulls' 3-1 defeat at Withdean has dropped them to 13th in the League One table, seven points off the play-offs.

They were tenth and only four points outside the play-off places before Saturday's 2-1 setback at Port Vale but Wilkins insists such fluctuations in fortunes for his young side are inevitable.

He said: "We have got a lot of young players in their debut season so, as much as it has been really exciting, now and again you are going to get this.

"I certainly don't want it to happen and neither do supporters but I would just say don't be too disappointed by the odd blip because, over the course of 15 games, it has been very good.

"I still see us having a positive season. Where that takes us I am not sure but we have got too much ability and knowledge within the place for it not to be a positive season."

Adam Hinshelwood was substituted in the second half as a precaution after reporting at half-time slight discomfort in the right knee he has seriously injured twice.

Meanwhile, the Albion future of Dean Bowditch is hanging in the balance. The on-loan Ipswich striker, whose loan stint ends on New Year's Day, faces three more weeks on the sidelines with a persistent groin problem.

The Seagulls must decide whether they want to try to keep him, either by extending his loan spell for the rest of the season or buying him.