By Paul Camillin
Albion boss Mark McGhee was delighted with his side's 2-1 victory over Gillingham - secured thanks to Richard Carpenter and Adam Virgo - but afterwards he challenged his team to have more belief in their football ability and also called on his Boxing Day goalscorers to score more goals.
McGhee told seagulls.co.uk, "I said in the dressing room at half-time that one of the things missing in the first half - and sometimes from us in general - was the ability.
"I know we've got character - and it took character to get back into this game - but we also have ability and sometimes we don't really demand enough of our own ability or believe in that ability."
Carpenter's goal was his first since a memorable strike at Swindon in the first leg of the play-off semi-final with Swindon and McGhee added, "The execution of his goal was first class, but he should be doing that more often.
"He had other opportunities in the game where he didn't hit the ball as well and didn't strike it on target. What I am saying is that we know we're a great bunch of lads, we know we've got great spirit and great character but we need to bring our ability to the game as well.
"It's a while since Adam Virgo scored, and I think he should be scoring more goals too. He's not up there simply as a physical threat. He's got ability and he's another one like Richard Carpenter who should be scoring more goals."
The match with Gillingham was Albion's first of four matches in the space of nine days and McGhee was delighted his team got a flying start to their festive schedule of matches and they will face Wolves in good spirits.
"We didn't want to lose this game, but to win it was a massive bonus for us. Whether it is Wolves away, or Gillingham at home we need to get 50 points. This is another three points towards it. Anything we get at Wolves will also be a point or three towards that.
"It was also a tremendous win for the fans. They were out in the freezing cold and stayed behind the team. There was no dissenting voices at 1-0 and I think the fans knew we were trying - particularly in the second half - and they stayed with us and they got their rewards."
