Seven Years Gone: Dagenham Delight

Brighton & Hove Albion have six matches remaining to keep their place in the Premier League for next season - but some seven years ago, to this very day, the Seagulls secured an important promotion ahead of their debut season at the Amex Stadium.

After stringing together ten unbeaten matches - nine of which were victories - the Seagulls had the chance to secure their place in the second tier of English football, when Dagenham & Redbridge travelled to the Withdean Stadium.

Albion had beaten the Daggers two weeks earlier on the road, when Glenn Murray’s 59th-minute goal sealed a 1-0 victory - but second time around the Seagulls knew three points would trigger celebrations on the south coast.

Poyet’s men made a terrible start to the contest, as John Akinde opened the scoring for the visitors inside the opening minute - but Inigo Calderon and Murray hit back to give the Seagulls a 2-1 lead at the break.

But the game swung back in favour of Dagenham when goals from Jon Nurse and Danny Green surprised the 7,619 supporters packed into the Withdean - and Albion’s grip on promotion was in doubt.

Liam Bridcutt then stepped forward with a stunning strike from outside the box, before Ashley Barnes struck Albion’s fourth goal in the 63rd minute to set up a nervy finish on the south coast.

Poyet’s team were unable to build on their narrow advantage but defended well in the closing stages to hold on for victory - which sealed Albion’s return to the Championship, ahead of their first season at their new home.

The full-time whistle triggered jubilant scenes as Albion’s supporters flooded onto the pitch and celebrated with their heroes, who went on to secure the League One title in the following match at Walsall.