Away-day form lifts Poyet’s Seagulls

BOUNDARY PARK ROUNDUP: ATHLETIC are set for a stern examination of their credentials when Brighton make the long trip north.

The Seagulls, occupying 15th spot in the League One table, have accumulated no less than six wins and eight draws on the road this season, losing only four times.

Albion have also found the net on 26 occasions away from the Withdean Stadium — a record only bettered in the division by top two Norwich City and Leeds United.

One danger man for Brighton is the familiar figure of Glenn Murray. The former Stockport County and Rochdale striker, who moved south in a deal worth £300,000, is Albion’s second-top scorer with 13 goals this season and didn’t play when Athletic visited the Withdean and won 2-0 in October due to suspension.

The other forward who will need to be marshalled tightly by Athletic centre-backs Sean Gregan and Reuben Hazell is Nicky Forster.

Now in his 18th season in professional football, the 36-year-old former Brentford and Reading forward has hit 16 goals so far this season, including one in the 3-0 home win over Brentford on Tuesday night.

Midfielder Kazenga Lua-Lua, on loan from Newcastle United, scored twice against Athletic’s youth team last season in the FA Youth Cup.

All but one one of Brighton’s six away wins have come under the guidance of manager Gus Poyet, who was appointed in November following the sacking of Russell Slade.

When Poyet — formerly assistant boss at Leeds and Tottenham — arrived on the south coast following the sacking of Russell Slade, the Uruguayan joined a club hovering on the edge of the relegation zone with only 14 points from 15 matches played.

They now have an eight-point cushion away from the bottom four, one better off than Athletic having played a match more.

Athletic are searching for a second league double of the season, having picked the first up last week against Leyton Orient.