Fans flocking to see Seagulls play Rooks

Seagulls supporters have been snapping up tickets to see Sami Hyypiä's first game as Albion manager.

Brighton and Hove Albion head to near-neighbours Lewes FC on Saturday, July 5 for the first of their pre-season games.

More than 2,400 fans flocked to the home of The Rooks for a friendly in July 2012 but this year's game could top that - with Albion fans keen to see Hyypiä's debut in the Brighton dug-out.

Tickets, which are only available in advance, have been selling well - with little more than 600 left yesterday afternoon (Thursday).

And with just eight days left for fans to secure their place at The Dripping Pan, the Ryman League outfit will be hopeful of cash-boosting sell-out.

Lewes have become the poster-boys of non- league football, largely as a result of their fan ownership scheme and inventive marketing techniques.

The club regularly produce match day posters which boast a football slant on iconic images, album covers or film posters.

For the Albion friendly the club have released a Brighton Rock themed effort (pictured) which is now available to buy online at the club's website.

[box type="info"] General admission tickets, priced £10 with a £1.25 booking fee, are still available from www.lewesfc.com.