In 1997 Albion versus Doncaster Rovers entered the history books as the last match to be played at the Goldstone Ground.

Fourteen years later and scores of fans rushed to buy tickets for the repeat fixture - the first league match to be played at the American Express Community Stadium.

Yesterday Seagulls supporters flocked from across Sussex to reserve their seats in person for the historic game on Saturday August 6.

Excited fans queued at the Queen's Road, Brighton, ticket office from 9am and lines were frantic as more secured tickets over the phone and online.

Lifelong Albion fan Ed Woodhouse did not want to take any chances and made sure he was at the door of the ticket office at 6.15am.

The 23-year-old student, who bought two tickets, said: “I was first in the queue. I couldn't face not doing everything in my power to go to the game.

“I didn't get a season ticket because I am going to study at Exeter University.

“It took about an hour for the next person to come to the queue and I was thinking I had got the wrong day.

“But it was nice to be with fellow fans and have a bit of a chat. I was worried I would be one of the unlucky ones that didn't get a ticket.

“I was very relieved when I got them.”

Peter Jones, 65, caught the 6am bus from Eastbourne to make sure he did not go without a seat for the game.

He said: “I was there for the last game at the Goldstone. This is the one I really wanted, even if I don't get any more tickets.”

Sophie Glaskin, from Burgess Hill, was another happy supporter.

The 26-year-old care assistant bought tickets for her and her boyfriend.

She said: “This is the most important game. We have been driving past the Amex but we have not been there yet. It looks fantastic.”

Brighton and Hove Albion released about 1,000 tickets in the west lower and east stands for the game yesterday morning.

Anyone who bought tickets to see the team in the last three years and are on the club's ticket database were eligible to buy a ticket for the match.