Last Saturday saw the Albion's final serious pre-season game away to the troubled Hatters. I had choices! Up to Luton, pack the holiday suitcase, chance the rain for a game of tennis, into the mayhem of Brighton, or off to the Dripping Pan to see "our" Danny (Cullip) and Kevin Keehan's Lewes Rooks? I've no regrets about avoiding Brighton's Pride and gather I didn't miss much down the Pan. But I was sorry not to have seen the Albion beat Luton 3-0 (yes, 3-0!) having settled for suitcase and Andy Murray on TV.

About 150 diehard Seagulls fans made it up the M1 and they were rewarded by a truly satisfying win. After losing close games with the Championship's Charlton and Ipswich, the Hatters probably provided the nearest to what we can expect. Manager Mickey Adams had the chance to play possibly 10 of the first choice 11, plus five subs. Matt Richards didn't figure as he has a slight strain.

Many are playing the guessing game of who Micky will start at Crewe but the three goalscorers are probables. Glen Murray and Adam Virgo combined to send Nicky Forster clear in the box to fire home number one. Our little winger Dean Cox drilled a free kick from the edge of the area for number two. It was Murray (pictured) who grabbed number three by latching on to a bad back pass.

Dutchman Michel Kuipers started the game between the posts and John Sullivan took over for the second half. Our Former Dutch Marine is clear favourite to start at Crewe.

There are options in defence. Joel Lynch started at left back but picked up a knock so Kerry Mayo replaced him after 27 minutes. Andrew Whing looks to be first choice at right back. Colin Hawkins played alongside Tommy Elphick at the centre of defence. I think you could put money on these two being on the team sheet for Crewe.

The midfield could still spring a few surprises. Adam Virgo started alongside Steve Thomson and Kevin McLeod. These were replaced on the hour by Doug Loft, Adam El-Abd and Dave Livermore respectively. Perm any three from six? Actually that could be any three from eight as Tommy Fraser and Johnny Dixon both figured. Goals two and three were scored after the five subs came on. For the attack Forster and Murray are literally the front runners. I'm hoping they will share a hatful of goals, starting at Crewe!

It was a comprehensive win for the Albion, playing in their new white and blue strip. The Hatters are now out of administration but they have been hammered with a 30 point deduction. We can only wish them the best of luck.

I think Adams has a squad with more depth than last year. It should certainly be strong enough to challenge for the play-offs. But the manager isn't satisfied yet. Adams says he would like to strengthen the midfield and the attack, saying he hopes to pick up players from Premiership clubs.

Micky is aiming to make Withdean a fortress. It was almost seven years ago when he ended a successful period with Brighton. Then Withdean was intimidating for the opposition. His view is it's our home so let's make it a fortress again. Exciting times?

I've mentioned the Dripping Pan. The Seagulls' travels this year include a few far away destinations. No disrespect to Tranmere, Scunthorpe, Stockport, Huddersfield, Carlisle, or even Crewe, but I might not be rushing northwards for some of these. So when the Albion are on the road I checked the Rooks' home fixtures. August is a non-starter as Lewes are away at the same time as Brighton.

In fact the schedules don't tie up too well. November gives the option of Burton Albion rather than Carlisle. December would let me see Stevenage and Woking at the Dripping Pan rather than on the roads to Oldham and Tranmere – so I could reduce my carbon footprint then! I fancied watching Torquay again for old time's sake, but this clashes with Leicester City, a game I hope to make. Perhaps when Brighton and Lewes are closer neighbours (I'm talking Falmer!) the men in suits who do the fixtures will be more considerate?