THE goals of Bobby Zamora have played a crucial part in driving Brighton and Hove Albion to the top of Division 2.

Albion leapfrogged Brentford on Wednesday night after Zamora's 15th goal of the campaign secured a 1-1 draw with Brentford.

The Seagulls have continued to soar after winning the Third Division title last year.

Former Leeds and Coventry defender Micky Adams was at the helm as Brighton regained Second Division status but he has since been tempted away to Leicester City as assistant manager.

But far from being left in the lurch, former Filbert Street boss Peter Taylor was quickly appointed and the change of manager has not disrupted Albion's promotion charge.

Brighton are unbeaten in 10 games since the former England Under 21 manager's arrival but the most worrying statistic for Town is that the Seagulls have not lost away from home since August 31.

Although it is at home where Albion have built a fortress, a mean defence and ability to nick a goal out of nothing has served the Seagulls well.

Zamora, a £100,000 signing from Bristol Rovers (how they must be kicking themselves) in August 2000, has netted in six consecutive games.

His importance to the side is underlined when you discover that four of those games were 1-0 victories.

However, Zamora alone cannot secure success and Albion have looked pretty solid at the back.

The Seagulls have conceded just 15 goals in 19 games.

The form of Dutch goalkeeper Michael Kuipers has been a major factor, although he dropped something of a clanger against Peterborough on Wednesday night.

Defender Paul Watson is strong at the back but has also made his presence felt in attack, particularly at set piece and dead ball situations.

The vastly experienced Simon Morgan arrived from Fulham in the summer to further strengthen the defence.

Other potential threats include midfielder Charlie Oatway and a summer target of Town's, former Shrewsbury frontman Lee Steele.

Albion's rise to their present lofty position is a far cry from a desperate afternoon just four years ago.

Only a goal from Robbie Reinelt at Hereford United saved Albion's League status on the final day of the 1996-97 season.

Albion and Town fans should have much to talk about tomorrow.

Brushes with calamity have become all too frequent both in Wiltshire and on the south coast.

Albion have sold their 2,000 allocation for tomorrow's game.