Just one year ago, Brighton fans were heartbroken as they missed out on automatic promotion after drawing with Middlesbrough on the final day of the season. They would continue to suffer as they crashed out of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs to Sheffield Wednesday, condemning them to another season in the second tier after being so close to the promised land.
But sometimes, you just have to wait for that moment of pure joy and today, Brighton seemed to get it. While it is possible that Brighton could lose their spot in the automatic promotion zone, it would take an odd enough combination of maths that means fans can be confident enough that Brighton will be making their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
It came in a confident win over Wigan Athletic, with the Seagulls running out as 2-1 winners over the relegation threatened side. Glenn Murray’s return to the south coast continued to be a triumphant one by scoring with a superb finish in the first half and Solly March was able to blast home after 65 minutes to push them further to the top tier of English football. There was some nerves around the AMEX Stadium when Nick Powell got one back for Wigan late on, but Brighton were able to get hold and come as close as humanly possibly to sealing promotion.
It would take Brighton to lose games by a heavy amount and Huddersfield to win by a similar margin for the south coast side to drop out of the top two and with that being very unlikely, their fans got to the business of celebrating.
https://twitter.com/matty_baseden/status/854007920983461894
Life long Albion fan I am literally buzzing ⚪🔵⚪🔵 #bhafc
— Vicky Louise (@Vicl3wis) April 17, 2017
This is the one time I can honestly say, I wish I still lived in Brighton. Just for this one moment. Pubs will do well tonight! #bhafc
— Nick Osborne (@djnickosborne) April 17, 2017
Good times, never seemed so good (so good x3) #bhafc pic.twitter.com/zcGBGlV1pB
— Snakey (@SammyTheSnake25) April 17, 2017
#Together #bhafc we are going up!! pic.twitter.com/RJ5YcV5CDJ
— Emma 💙 (@littleboris) April 17, 2017
Amazing for #bhafc to hold their nerve! We have finished the last few seasons off well. (Ignoring play off results). We can get top spot!
— Tim Wallis (@8arnesy7) April 17, 2017
