It took an unexpected seven goal thriller, but it was enough as Brighton clinched promotion to the Championship in dramatic fashion.
It was set to be Brighton’s big night, sealing promotion for the first time since 2004, but just 24 seconds into the game John Akinde had put Dagenham into the lead.
Brighton hauled themselves back into the game after an inspired spell from Craig Noone. Noone had a shot from distance spectacularly saved, then rattled the cross bar from even further out. Brighton then had a corner, which El Abd got a touch, before captain, Inigo Calderon made sure from close range.
Within a minute, Brighton took the lead, with Noone speeding down the left, picking out an unmarked Glenn Murray to head home his 21st of the season.
The Seagulls were in the lead, thinking it was job done, but they crumbled in the second half. Jon Nurse eased off Tommy Elphick, before turning and shooting into the net to make it 2-2, despite Calderon’s last ditch effort to save it.
Within a couple of minutes, Brighton found themselves behind after some sloppy play in midfield. El Abd then brought down Akinde in the box, and the referee awarded a spot kick. Danny Green tucked it home, to stun the expectant Withdean crowd.
Brighton then picked themselves up and began to surge forward. Murray hit the bar with a header, but Liam Bridcutt sent Withdean crazy with a stunning 25 yard strike into the roof of the net to make it 3-3.
Adam El Abd had a chance to make amends after his unusually below par performance, but his header went just over. Finally Brighton’s pressure paid off when they won a corner.
Bennett sent in an in swinging corner and Ashley Barnes was there to crash home a header, much like Danny Cullip’s header against Chesterfield all those years ago. It put Brighton in front with half an hour to play, and despite a few nervy moments, they held on.
The win spark jubilant scenes at the final whistle as fans poured onto the pitch to celebrate with the players. Promotion had been achieved with five games to spare.
Player Ratings
Casper Ankergren
7
Inigo Calderon
7
Adam El Abd
6
Tommy Elphick
6
Marcos Painter
7
Liam Bridcutt
8
Gary Dicker
6
Elliott Bennett
7
Criag Noone
7
Glenn Murray
7
Chris Wood
6
Ashley Barnes
7
Radostin Kishishev
6
6
