ALBION were left heartbroken as they were denied the Championship title on the final day of the season.

More than 2,700 supporters travelled to Birmingham for the match with 6,500 watching live on a big screen at The Amex.

Tens of thousands more listened to the game on the radio and followed The Argus live blog.

But Jack Grealish’s last minute goal left them disappointed, with Newcastle instead lifting the trophy at St James’ Park.

There was a bittersweet feeling among supporters travelling back from the West Midlands.

Lifelong fan Mark Brailsford said: “Everyone feels a little bit down about it but it doesn’t really matter does it. We have been drinking champagne on the way home on the train. The main goal was to go up and that’s what we have done.”

Liz Costa, vice chairwoman of Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters’ Club, said it felt a bit like the 1983 FA Cup final.

She said: “We’re proud of the boys but disappointed. I think the players themselves were probably more distraught.

“They were flat out on the pitch afterwards, I think they had thought they had done enough.”

She also hit back at some of the criticism levelled at the players since they secured promotion last month.

“It’s nonsense to hear criticism of the players by some people, people who probably haven’t seen them every game this season.

“Getting to the Premier League, getting promoted, those were the big targets. The rest was just the cream on top.

“We are very, very proud of the players and Chris Hughton can walk on water.”

Albion life president Dick Knight, who was at Villa Park, said: “I’m disappointed but not down-hearted. I was in with the Albion fans and that was the feeling and that was conveyed to the players.

“They now need to go away and have a well-deserved break and come back mentally ready for the Premier League.”

Paul Samrah, founder of the Falmer For All campaign, said fans should not lose sight of what has been achieved this year.

He said: “We are still in the Premier League but of course with Brighton we never make things easy. The achievement though is getting promoted, it was not about coming first, the priority was coming second. When the fixtures list comes out there won’t be a C next to Newcastle.”

Albion fans can now look forward to a season in the Premier League, facing giants of world football such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. The season begins on August 12 with the fixture list due out next month.

Meanwhile the players fly to Las Vegas today before returning for the victory parade along the seafront on Sunday.

Mr Samrah urged Brighton to come out to give them a fitting celebration. He said: “It has been a real collective effort these last 20 years and we have achieved what we have because everybody has been working in the same direction. We should give the players a very good send off. Let’s hope the players are in a fit state after their five days in Las Vegas.”

ROLLERCOASTER AFTERNOON IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

By Ben James

YESTERDAY was a rollercoaster of emotions as a memorable Championship season came to an end.

After Glenn Murray’s 64th minute penalty, Albion looked set to be bringing home the silverware.

But a cruel 89th minute goal broke Albion hearts and saw Newcastle awarded the title.

As is often the case these days, it all played out on the internet with Albion fans and even the players taking to social media to record and remark on an extraordinary Sunday afternoon.

The day began with such optimism. Lifelong Albion fan and vice chairman of the The Robert Eaton Memorial Fund Brett Mendoza tweeted ahead of the game: “Time to wrap up the most amazing of seasons with either a big trophy or a rubbish one. You know what to do lads #OnOurWay.”

Albion supporters were tuning in from around the world to listen, including James Joslin who was over in Germany.

He posted: “It might appear that I’m on a train somewhere between Hannover and Leipzig but my head is really over at Villa Park. Come on Brighton!”

Meanwhile 10,000 miles away in Sydney, the Seagulls Down Under supporters club had set their alarms for the big match, posting: “Hoping @OfficialBHAFC can top off a great season, cheering you on from this side of the planet. #bringithomeboys.”

When Newcastle took the lead there were fears the dream was over. Jane Ward summed up the general feeling with her Facebook post: “Never mind. We’ve had a good season and we’re going up.

“Who needs a silly trophy anyway?”

That all changed when Murray slotted home his penalty and sent the away end into meltdown.

Tomas Heasman, who was at the game, posted a video of the moment the ball hit the back of the net with the caption: “When the dream seemed a reality. #BHAFC.”

Seagulls supporter and Portslade councillor Penny Gilbey said: “Yes Murray score penalty and Villa down to 10 men @OfficialBHAFC 1-0 to Seagulls Champions?”

Unfortunately her question would be cruelly answered in the 89th minute when Jack Grealish scored the equaliser.

There were tears, disappointment and even anger.

But after a couple of hours to allow the result to sink in there was perspective.

Brett Mendoza tweeted pictures of the trophy presentation stage being carried away before posting a picture of the players with the caption: “Still proud of them #bhafc.”

Council leader Warren Morgan reminded his followers of what happened a year ago at Middlesbrough.

He posted: “Twelve months ago one goal made difference between promotion/playoffs. Today it made difference between a trophy/none. I know what I prefer #bhafc.”

In the end it was down to Albion’s player of the year, Anthony Knockaert, to sum up the feeling of most fans.

Alongside a photograph of the players celebrating, he posted: “We’re in the Premier League ... that’s all matters at the end !!!!

“Thank you for your support Brighton fans.”