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Jake began as a trainee at Brighton and Hove Albion and is the club's youngest-ever goalscorer (16 years and 355 days) and made his senior
debut as an extra time substitute in a League Cup tie against Middlesbrough in September 2003. He signed full pro forms in December
2003 and played a handful of league games that season as the Seagulls were promoted from League 1 via the play-offs.
Jake joined Aldershot Town on a month's loan in February 2005 and scored on his debut against Barnet. He went on to score four goals in 10 games for the Shots; many fans regard him as one of the club's best-ever loan signings. The following season, he established himself in the first team at the Withdean, but the Seagulls struggled and were relegated from the Championship having finished bottom. The following season, they fared only slightly better by finishing 18th, with Jake scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
In 2007-08, Jake played 39 games in all competitions and scored five times as Brighton narrowly missed out on the play-offs. His opportunities this season have been restricted, hence his move to the EBB Stadium.
Jake goes straight into Gary Waddock's squad for Saturday's trip to Exeter City.