Kerry Mayo hopes history can repeat itself – albeit in different surroundings – as Albion host Watford.

He will certainly get a serious case of déjà vu if Gaetan Bong gets forward to score for the hosts.

Just short of 13 years ago, Mayo got the equaliser from left-back to help Albion towards a 2-1 win over Watford in Championship action at Withdean.

It was a precious result as the Seagulls eventually secured safety by the skin of their teeth.

Staying in the second tier at the athletics stadium was widely considered an even bigger achievement than going up in the first place.

Equally, Albion’s satisfaction were they to finish 17th or better this season would match that which followed their promotion.

Points at home to Watford today would boost their chances.

Back in the first home game of 2005, Albion came from 1-0 down to level when Lloyd Doyley dallied over clearing at the far post and Mayo struck.

The left-sided duo of Mayo and Dan Harding were involved in the move which saw Leon Knight guide home the winner.

Mayo told The Argus last night: “I remember it well. It was a bright, cold Withdean day.

“I scored in the first half when a corner was half-cleared to me and I crashed it back in – but Leon Knight was given offside even though he didn’t touch the ball.

“When I scored, the ball came in from Harty (Gary Hart), I think, Lloyd Doyley got mixed up with the ball, caught in two minds. I closed him down quickly and tapped it in.

“That Watford game was a bit of a kick-start for us and we went on to get some good results at Withdean.

“Brighton fans and Brighton players talked about it becoming a fortress.”

Albion drew with Nottingham Forest and beat Sunderland and Millwall to open what turned out to be precious breathing space ahead of a somewhat nervous finale.

Home draws with Leicester, West Ham and finally Ipswich got them over the line.

Mayo still watches Albion regularly and knows the importance of today’s game.

He said:”Watford are quite depleted. There will be 30,000 there, a festive atmosphere and hopefully we win to kick-start us like 13 years ago.

“It would be nice to have 21 points by Christmas.”