The man of the match on Saturday at Withdean was Trevor Kettle. Yes the man at the centre of everything was Mr. Kettle – and he was the referee! The best of times – nine minutes in and Mr Kettle spots a shirt tug on Nicky Forster, who stepped up to score the penalty. The worst of times – 85 minutes on the clock and eagle-eyed Kettle spots the slightest of shirt touching by Colin Hawkins. Rovers convert the penalty to snatch the draw.

This season the FA have been pushing "respect". Players should respect the referees, and their assistants, and not talk back or swear at them. The Rovers' players must have found this hard after the 'soft' ninth minute penalty. The Albion players, and more than 6,000 spectators, found it even harder after the equalising and decidedly flimsy penalty at the end.

The game itself was disappointing. As it transpired our high expectations were dampened. We had the great start but thereafter little to cheer about. After the good wins in the first two games, the faithful turned up hoping to witness evidence of a season leading to promotion.

Manager Micky Adams had two set backs. Midfielder Kevin McLeod, who had delivered for Adam Virgo's goals, hadn't recovered from a knock in the Tuesday night Carling Cup win against Barnet. The second setback was the absence of striker Glenn Murray who was banned following the silly red card in the same game. I had thought this was a stronger squad than last season. It may be – but not in the attacking department!

In Murray's enforced absence, Adams went for Gary Hart alongside Forster. Gary always gives 100 per cent but wasn't a successful replacement. Matt Richards was moved into midfield in place of McLeod but whilst looking comfortable he didn't have too much impact. The second half was reminiscent of several games last season. Could we hang onto a one-goal lead? Unfortunately not! Brighton were marginally better when Tommy Fraser replaced Hart and Virgo was pushed upfront. But skill and quality were missing.

Our big Dutchman Michel Kuipers did his bit. Well into the second half Rickie Lambert unleashed a snap shot that had goal written on it. Kuipers somehow got fingertips to it, pushing the ball onto the post to be cleared away. The three points looked to be safe – but Kettle in the black had other ideas. Of course we were biased but the ref always seemed to be looking for a chance to even out that first penalty. The Pirates didn't turn down the chance and sailed back to Bristol with a point.

Credit has to be given to Rovers who, as Adams said after the game "… did a job on us" and "… we just didn't play well from back to front". The Bristol side deserved the draw.

Immediately after the game it was a fairly subdued bunch in blue and white that walked away from Withdean. Clearly it will be a season-long battle to the play-offs.

But hey, it's not doom and gloom. The Sun actually shown on the unprotected South Standers! The east end crossbar kept another shot from Lambert out. And we are unbeaten. We are fourth in the table – and Murray and McLeod will be back for the game at Southend on Friday night.
Meanwhile, excitement mounts with the coming visit by Premiership Manchester City. The date of the Carling Cup game at Withdean in September has still to be announced, but surely we will fill the ground so get your ticket applications in early.

Not quite such good news is Albion's draw in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy – away to Northampton Town in the first week of September. This is allegedly the south-east section but Northampton's not there in any of my maps.

One bit of news that may interest us in East Sussex is that Albion reserves will play their Combination League matches at the Dripping Pan, Lewes. The reserves kick-off against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, September 10. Entry is free for season-ticket holders and Young Seagulls.

And finally – Gully has a long lost brother and sister (pictured) who have now joined him at Withdean. The youngsters have to come up with their names. Answers on a postcard...?