Albion are not expecting to lose money from their lowest Withdean crowd for five years.

Only 2,533 spectators braved the rain on Wednesday as the Seagulls beat Boston United 1-0 in the first round of the Carling Cup.

It was the worst attendance since January 2001, when 2,482 turned out for the LDV Vans Trophy second round tie against Brentford, but Albion were well prepared.

Chief executive Martin Perry revealed: "We haven't done the sums yet but we reduced our costs anyway, with less stewards and buses and so on. I'm anticipating it's break even.

"In previous years we have included the first home cup game in season ticket packages. We didn't this time, which is much better for us in terms of cash flow."

The lowest ever Withdean crowd was in November 2000, when 2,364 watched the LDV first round clash against Cardiff.

Albion will discover their Carling Cup second round opponents tomorrow lunchtime when the draw is made live on Sky TV.

The 12 Premiership clubs not involved in Europe enter the competition alongside a whole host of League Two clubs responsible for upsetting Championship clubs in round one.

Paul Reid, Albion's matchwinner against Boston, said: "Hopefully we can get a good draw, if not a Premiership team then a team we can beat.

"To go on a good cup run is very important. It keeps the winning mentality in the boys and can only breed confidence."

The Seagulls are waiting for the results of an X-ray on goalkeeper Wayne Henderson's fitness ahead of Sunday's visit by Crewe. He was thought initially to have a back injury but it has turned out to be more of a hip problem.

Gary Hart (ankle) should be fit and Frenchman Alex Frutos could be back in contention for a place on the bench after missing the Boston match with a toe injury.

The game signals the end of defender Keith Lowe's month-on-loan from Wolves. Manager Mark McGhee said: "I would like to keep him around but Keith wants to play, so he might be reluctant."