Albion’s promotion dream is over – but they gave a it a real go at the Amex tonight.

The Seagulls drew 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday to suffer a 3-1 play-off semi-final defeat on aggregate.

It is their third semi-final exit in the last four seasons and the fourth time the club have fallen one hurdle short of Wembley since 2009.

The Seagulls dominated a pulsating first half and went ahead on 18 minutes when Lewis Dunk turned home Anthony Knockaert’s driven free-kick.

The Argus:

Lewis Dunk scores

Knockaert had earlier hit the inside of the post with a free-kick, seen another well saved by Keiren Westwood and headed a great chance wide.

Sam Baldock and James Wilson were both denied by fine saves from Westwood.

But Wednesday levelled on 28 minutes with a sucker punch as Ross Wallace’s intended inswinging cross beat everyone and drifted just inside the far post as Dunk appeared to be impeded.

Wednesday might even have led at the break but for David Stockdale’s save from Gary Hooper – seconds after they had cleared Jiri Skalak’s corner from just in front of goal.

Albion continued to battle in the second period but were unable to sustain the pace of their first half.

The Argus:

Gordon Greer appeals for a foul as Wednesday level

Wednesday looked a more solid outfit with defensive midfielder Sam Hutchinson went on at the break.

The Owls celebrated long after the final whistle – and now look certain to face Yorkshire rivals Hull in the final.

But many home fans also stayed behind to give Albion a rousing send-off.