Nathan Elder today braced himself for another week of hard running as he aims to make an impact in League One.

The new Albion striker almost grabbed an equaliser with a far-post header and looked eager to impress after coming off the bench.

But he admits he has a long way to go to be up to speed at the new level after signing from Billericay.

Elder, who scored in a Senior Cup tie at Whitehawk last week, said: "I played the other day for the Reserves and got my first goal.

"But coming out here was another step up, another level.

"It's a lot more aggressive.

People out there really want it, they really mean it. That's what I've been looking for to be honest.

It's a big step up.

"But a little bit of work on my fitness and I think I'll be there."

Elder appreciates the more professional approach of League One. There is no substitute for putting in the miles but the Seagulls are keeping careful check on his physical progress.

He said: "I'll have the heart rate monitor on. I've got to keep training, training, training.

"I try not to miss a session, do what the gaffer tells me, keep my head down and keep working.

"I'm running until I drop.

There's a lot of that. You can't just jump from one league to the other."