Town’s winning run was halted at four games as goals from Craig Mackail-Smith and Ashley Barnes (2) saw Brighton to a 3-0 win at the Amex Stadium. Michael Chopra had had a chip headed off the line by Seagulls skipper Gordon Greer before Mackail-Smith struck in the first half, Barnes sealing the home side s victory with two goals after the break.
Blues boss Paul Jewell has named an unchanged side for the third game running as Town go looking for a fifth successive league victory for the first time since 2003. The only switch of personnel comes on the bench with Ibrahima Sonko, back after his dislocated rib, taking over from Jack Ainsley.
Trialist Jerome Thomas played the first 72 minutes as a Town XI, featuring several senior players, drew 1-1 with Southend in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Playford Road this afternoon. Irish U18 international Shane McLoughlin netted for the Blues on 85, before one-time Town loanee Tyrone Barnett equalised for the League One side.