It was heartbreak for Albion last night as arch-rivals Crystal Palace wrecked their promotion party.

The Wembley dream died for the Seagulls in the second half at American Express Community Stadium with two fine goals from Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

After the match glum Seagulls fans said it had been a disappointing night but promised the club would be back to fight for promotion again next season.

Grant Smith, from Brighton, said: “They didn’t play as well as they should have done, simple as that.

But the crowd were still behind them all the way even after Palace had scored.

“It wasn’t our night but it has still been a great season overall.”

The day had started with high hopes, with Seagulls fans full of optimism following Friday’s impressive draw at Selhurst Park.

Albion fans packed into the city centre pubs from the early afternoon.

Speaking on the train ahead of kick-off, Martyn Gillard, who was with his five-year-old son Jack, said: “I’m sure we’re going to win, I can feel it in my bones.

“We are a much better team than them.”

Martin Williams, who travelled all the way from the Midlands, said: “I think it is going to be a tight game but we will win. We have far more quality.”

By 6pm Brighton station was packed with chanting Albion fans kept apart from rival supporters by a heavy police presence.

The only sign of trouble was when an away supporter launched a smoke bomb at queueing Albion fans, filling the station with drifting purple smoke.

When home fans arrived at the Amex they found a coloured banner under every seat.

Emerging from the tunnel, the teams were greeted by a shimmering sea of blue and white and a deafening roar.

Acagey first half sawfewchances for either side with Albion fans drowning out the chants of their south London rivals.

It was only when Palace scored twice late on that the deafening home support dipped slightly.

At the final whistle the downcast Albion players were applauded off the pitch by the home support while jubilant Palace fans bounced up and down with glee in the away end.

Albion fan Stephen Cobley, from Brighton, said: “We just weren’t at it today. I wish we had gone for it and played two wingers but that didn’t happen. The crowd were incredible – it’s just a shame the players didn’t give them the performance they deserved.

“I could take losing to anyone but not that lot.”

Palace fans were kept in the stadium long after the final whistle to prevent any trouble.

Disappointed but optimistic Seagulls fans meanwhile made their way to Falmer station still singing, still proud, and hopeful for next season.