Painter has started all of Brighton's 30 league games this season

Brighton defender Marcos Painter believes every game from now until the end of the season is a "cup final".

The Seagulls have been top of League One since the end of September and currently have a one point lead over second-placed Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old left-back told BBC Sussex: "We're on countdown until the end of the season.

"I'd say every game is our cup final until we achieve what we want to achieve. That's promotion."

Brighton have a chance to extend their lead as they have three games in hand over their closest rivals.

"We've probably heard it a million times but it's ours to lose," Painter added.

"It's the points you need, not the games in hand. That's the most important thing."

Brighton's first game in hand comes on Tuesday when they travel to Yeovil Town.

"Everyone knows you are going to lose games throughout the season and there is going to be a blip," the former Birmingham trainee said.

"But we have proved in the past we can bounce back after a disappointing defeat.

"We'll get back to normal and we're confident we can do it."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version