ONE HECKE OF A COMEBACK

Motivator Jan on how Seagulls recovered from seven and hell

- By John Cross

JAN PAUL VAN HECKE now recalls it as a "good thing" and a turning point in Brighton's season.

But less than two months ago, the 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest felt like a nightmare and humiliation for Fabian Hurzeler's men.

It was their lowest point but it refocused the dressing room and, after some soul searching, they have won six and drawn one of the seven games since.

That is some turnaround for the Seagulls, who face Forest again tonight for a place at Wembley.

Defender Van Hecke, who is enjoying another impressive season, said: "If you get beat 7-0, there will be motivation to do better. But the biggest motivation is to go to the next round and play in the semi-finals and go to Wembley.