Dean Cox has hailed his late match-winning goal against Hartlepool as the most important of his Albion career.

Cox's 89th-minute volley from close range earned the Seagulls the 2-1 victory they needed at Withdean to keep their slim chances of snatching a play-off spot alive.

Albion are still four points adrift of Leeds with two matches left but Cox refuses to give up hope of catching them.

"That is the most important goal I've scored, definitely," declared the diminutive winger.

"It was nice to get it on my 99th appearance, which I was told about when I turned up to the game.

"We still need Leeds to slip up but we are still in there with a fighting chance. We have just got to keep going and keep winning."

Boss Dean Wilkins was considering taking Cox off before he popped up with his seventh goal of the season.

Cox joked: "Maybe it will make him think twice about pulling me off because I scored at the end!

"I have played a lot of games, so I am one of those that are feeling it, but I want to play in every game.

"There is a bit of tiredness but we've got a break for the rest of this week and then we are off to Bristol Rovers, looking to get the same result."

Albion's fate could be sealed before Saturday's trip to Rovers. Leeds will be uncatchable if they win at Yeovil on Friday night.

The Seagulls finish their campaign a week later at home to champions Swansea, while Leeds entertain Gillingham in their final fixture.

Can Albion make the play-offs?