Andrew on a Whing and a prayer

Two away games and two defeats, I'm afraid, so the Seagulls really must make Withdean a fortress again if they are to succeed this year in League One.

The Wirral, and Prenton Park in particular, has not been a happy hunting ground for the Seagulls and this was always going to be a difficult game. Manager Dean Wilkins kept faith with Nick Forster and Alex Revell upfront. There was a change in midfield; Bas Savage started nstead of Jake Robinson. In defence young Tommy Elphick continued to play along side Guy Butters.

All went well in the first half with Brighton seeing more of the ball and playing well. Tranmere's top scorer Chris Greenacre was their greatest threat but FDM Michel Kuipers coped with everything that came his way.

A 0'“0 draw looked favourite right up to around the 80 minute mark. Unfortunately, for the Albion, the ref Mr Salisbury played advantage allowing Tranmere to cross for Greenacre to score a fine headed goal.

Brighton then had to press forward with the Rovers still dangerous on the break. Andrew Whing and Tommy Elphick closed down Davies on the edge of the Brighton box only for Mr Salisbury to produce a yellow card for Whing.

Now Whing had already been booked by the man in black so it meant a red. Off a disgruntled Whing had to go. He had a double reason to be upset. His first yellow was for allegedly kicking the ball away. He insisted that he was merely sending the ball to where the throw in was due to be taken! The second yellow was for a tame challenge and the Brighton players claimed it was actually Tommy Elphick that brought Davies down.

Perhaps the ref will review the video and change his mind, but if not then Whing misses Saturday's visit to Withdean by Southend. Dean Cox also earned himself a yellow card and will have to be careful if he is to avoid a ban.

The game was now into injury time with Brighton reduced to 10 men. They pressed and won a corner. Brighton's keeper started up field to do a Schmeichel (Peter once scored for Man U and son Kasper nearly did so last Saturday for Man City).

Unfortunately, as it turned out, Former Dutch Marine Michel didn't continue his run forward. The corner was cleared by the Tranmere defence and reached Shuker. He spotted Kuipers in no man's land and lobbed over him. The ball trickled slowly over the line for Rovers' second. Game over.

It's early days and the Seagulls haven't played badly away from home in the two games against Crewe and Tranmere - but they have lost. So something extra is needed. The goal chances must be put away or a more creative goal maker in midfield is needed, or both.

Next up is Southend United at Withdean on Saturday. There's a 100 per cent home record to protect (one out of one!) and three points to be secured. After all, we are now only nine points ahead of Leeds United!