Brighton's Gary Dicker insists they are improving

Brighton midfielder Gary Dicker insists their performances are improving despite another league defeat.

Friday's 2-1 home loss to Colchester was their eighth at Withdean this season and left them two points adrift of safety in League One.

Dicker, 23, told BBC Sussex: "I think we're progressing as a team.

"I definitely can see us going up the table, I think we're going in the right direction, the way [Gus Poyet] wants us to play, hopefully we can do that."

Dicker scored his second goal for the club against Colchester - and his first of the season.

He added: "I'm delighted to get off the mark and probably shut a few people up who say I don't score enough goals but I'd still rather the three points and a win, hopefully we can kick on now as a team and get up the table.

"The gaffer says we win as a team and lose as a team.

"Someone's a hero one week, someone's a villain the next week, but it's as a team, we don't blame anyone individually but we've had countless chances."

Dicker knows their record at Withdean must also improve.

"It's not good enough in any league, you've definitely got to win your home games, that's essential," he said.

"I don't think we can put our finger on what's gone wrong at home and what's not away from home, but it's definitely not good enough and the fans have a right to boo or shout if they want because they're paying good money to come and see us.

"Eight defeats before Christmas is not good enough so we definitely have to try to sort that out and hopefully get back winning and get back winning soon."