Boss Chris Hughton says Albion lacked the quality and edge to clinch the title at the Amex today.

A surprise 1-0 defeat by Bristol City means the Championship title race goes to the last day, with the promoted Seagulls still a point ahead of Newcastle.

Josh Brownhill's first half header secured safety for the visitors, who became only the third side to win at the Amex this season and the first to stop Albion scoring since Brentford in September.

Hughton's off-colour troops also missed out on the chance to clinch the title when they lost their last away game at Norwich.

He told The Argus: "I've got to be careful to separate the two, the achievement of the season and our last game at home and the disappointment.

 

"We've had two opportunities to do it. Norwich was always going to be difficult, but the fact that we were at home today, irrespective of who it was against, gave us a greater chance.

"I certainly felt we were the better side but maybe that little bit of quality we've been able to produce to get the goals we weren't able to do today.

"We had a lot of the ball, I would imagine we've put in as many crosses as we have for a long time, but they defended well."

Albion struggled to carve out chances, although Glenn Murray had a late header saved from an Anthony Knockaert cross.

Hughton said: "Glenn's header on 88 minutes was probably the most realistic chance we had. On most occasions the two centre-halves defended very well.

"That's down to two things, a quality of ball and a real desire for a team to get across and make something happen. We lacked that edge today."

Albion go to Aston Villa for their final fixture a week tomorrow, while Newcastle host Barnsley in another noon kick-off.