League safety is vital, but Brighton fans should savour FA Cup

With so much going on over the festive period, it's difficult to know where to start when it comes to the Albion.

Managers, assistants, players, and supporters have all been under discussion. The debates have taken place in the boardroom, the pub, and in the stadia - as well as on the radio and online.

The buzz from the fans after the win at Fulham was incredible. The win followed a hard-fought draw on Boxing Day and there seems to be a new sense of "Let's do this" on and off the pitch.

Although the performances are only a short step on the way to safety, the players have risen to the challenge. In one way, it is a shame that the next match is an FA Cup tie rather than another league game with more points on offer. Continued momentum would have been nice, but I always enjoy the FA Cup. The last four years have thrown up ties against Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Hull.

First up this year is another trip to West London and Griffin Park. The 3-2 defeat in the league was frustrating, but Albion will have to on top form to get past the surprise package of this year's Championship.

Many wrote off the Bees' chances this season, but under Mark Warburton they adopt an attacking, rather gung-ho strategy that seems to be paying off.

The win at Fulham will no doubt spur on wavering fans to get a ticket, so it should be another cracking atmosphere. The travelling support on Monday was one of the best I have seen from the Seagulls. Loud and proud.

Often the measure of a team or set of supporters is what they do in adversity rather than in glory. Albion have been dealt their fair share of challenges over the years and as Nathan Jones said this week, every time they tackle them head on.

The second of half of the season is crucial, but if the players show the same determination as they did at Fulham, and the same passion as the fans and Jones at Craven Cottage, they should be all right. Safety is vital, but they may yet land another big day in the FA cup to enjoy and to savour.