ALBION completed a memorable season treble over their arch rivals, but not in the way you would expect.

Nearly 400 fans saw a team of Brighton and Hove Albion supporters – and one club legend – take on fans of Croydon-based rivals Crystal Palace.

The match took place at Worthing FC’s Woodside Road in support of the Robert Eaton Memorial fund (REMF).

The rivalry was heated on the pitch, which was handy because off it the chilly breeze brought by Storm Hannah meant plenty of teas were purchased and all for a good cause.

The game ended 2-2 with the Seagulls winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

The Sussex-based REMF was set up in 2001 in honour of Albion fan Robert Eaton, who was killed in the 9/11 terror attacks in New York.

The REMF uses money raised to help youngsters around the world participate in sport.

Players competing in the Worthing match have raised close to £7,000 and that is without all the match day takings which are still being tallied.

The REMF also welcomed a surprise guest to the match.

Mark Hudson, chairman of Croydon FC, attended the match to support the charity.

This came after the REMF donated £2,500 to the club when their clubhouse was broken into.

Mark said: “We’re very grateful to the REMF and the money they donated will go towards some great double doors at our clubhouse.”

Mark even took along a vintage T-shirt to present to REMF chairman Mike Langridge.

A laugh was had at the fact that the sponsor on the shirt was Selhurst Timber and Builders Merchants – Selhurst being the home of Crystal Palace.

The club may have also had a helping hand from an American pop superstar.

Images on the Twitter page of REMF vice-chairman Brett Mendoza show pictures and motivational messages from pop star Taylor Swift on the Woodside Road dressing room walls.

The messages clearly worked as Albion picked up their third win over Palace in five months.