As Mikey Harris pointed out, you don’t always get fairy tale scripts in the harsh world of professional football.

But Albion’s interim head coach will hope the club’s senior women’s team gave some insight into what they are trying to do and the progress they are making after enjoying a night in the spotlight.

The Seagulls went down 2-1 to Everton before a crowd of 4,967 on Friday.

They conceded one soft goal and gift-wrapped another, either side of Tatiana Pinto’s strike, in an entertaining second half.

Albion are looking to play what is being recognised as the club’s style of football - seen most widely by the men’s team - and they did it well at times, in the second period especially.

Reaction among those who watched on a bitterly cold night in Falmer - both online and judging from comments overheard at the stadium - was positive.

Harris felt his team did themselves some justice as they target ambitions for the not-too-distant future of breaking into the top four, building support levels and securing a purpose-built stadium.

He told The Argus: “It wasn’t the fairy tale result that we wanted at the Amex.

“I think it was an entertaining game.

“The 5,000 fans that came, a big thank you to them for coming and supporting the players right through to the last moment.

“My over-riding emotion is disappointment but also a lot of pride in the way the players performed.

“The style and the identity were really important and we saw that.

“The fans who came would have seen what we are trying to do and that we have got some fantastic footballers.

“On another night, the result might have been different.

“But I am super proud of the players, super proud of the staff for the way they have prepared, not just for this game but since I’ve been in the role.”

Harris felt that “last moment” should have involved a penalty for his side.

He said: “There were two hands in the back of Katie Robinson as she got the wrong side of the defender.”

A lively start to the second half raised hopes of a home win until the just-introduced substitute Karen Holmgaard headed home at the poorly-protected far post from a cross delivered under no pressure.

Pinto forced a free-kick and then crashed home the rebound from close range after Maisie Symonds hit the bar with the subsequent set-piece.

Albion players and fans were at their most vibrant at that point - which made the goal they gave away even tougher to take.

The otherwise impressive Jorelyn Carabali under-hit a back pass, allowing Aurora Galli to nip in and go around Sophie Baggaley, who appeared to bring her down. Referee Kirsty Dowle was spared a big decision as Guro Bergsvand’s attempt to tidy up saw her help the ball into her own net.