It was the perfect excuse for a knees-up for thousands of fans across the city - but it unfortunately ended on a sour note.

Albion's heavy defeat to Derby ensured it would be at least another year before Seagulls fans got the chance to go potty for promotion to the Premier League.

In addition to Argus reporters and photographers capturing the action at Derby's iPro Stadium in the Midlands, we had two journalists on the ground in Brighton and Hove speaking to hordes of optimistic fans.

Elizabeth Mitchell watched the game with fans at The Hiker's Rest in Coldean Lane, Brighton, just minute's from the Amex Stadium.

Wesley Simmons, who watched the game in The Hikers Rest, said: “I'm Brighton and Hove Albion through and through. Next year will be third time lucky.”

She described the atmosphere in the pub as “electric”, with many fans believing a win was possible.

Strains of the Beatles classic 'Hey Jude' echoed through the venue before persistent chants of 'Albion' shook the walls. But the chants turned into gasps and cries of disappointment as Derby took the early lead.

At 1-0 down come half time, most fans still believed victory was possible. However the seemingly indestructible optimism took a severe hit as Derby netted their fourth.

Despite that, the pub was on its feet as Brighton managed to get a goal back late in the second half, fuelling further optimism that next year might be the year.

Alan Ingram, 75, of Newick Road, Moulsecoomb, said he was “immensely proud” of where the club had come over recent years.

He added: “Considering the injuries we've had it's not been a bad season. Yes we need new players and yes the result was expected, but we're getting there.

“I was at the first leg game and it was disappointing. But there are positives.”