AFC Bournemouth vs Brighton

Dean Court, January 5

IT SEEMS unlikely that when Albion fans made the relatively short trip down the coast to Bournemouth on January 5 they would have been dreaming of a trip to Wembley.

Minds were likely on a little bit of revenge, rather than looking further at where this year’s cup run could lead.

And goals from Anthony Knockaert and Yves Bissouma saw Brighton go into half-time 2-0 up.

When Marc Pugh’s fine strike flew past David Button to make it 2-1 Albion fans may have felt the nerves start to set it.

But that was soon remedied as Florin Andone netted from a corner to make it 3-1 and restore the Seagulls advantage.

Brighton vs West Bromwich Albion

Amex Stadium, January 26

Relatively few chances meant that both sides were left frustrated and the game had to go to a replay,

West Bromwich Albion vs Brighton

The Hawthorns, February 6

There were more goals in this replay, but it was clear that Albion were still not back to their best.

A bizarre piece of defending saw Kyle Bartley somehow tap the ball into an open net, and it looked like West Brom were heading to the next round.

That was until Florin Andone popped up with his second cup goal in as many games to draw the Seagulls level.

The game went into extra time and Glenn Murray netted twice to see Brighton progress.

Brighton vs Derby County

Amex Stadium, February 16

Two goals before half time from Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia had Brighton looking comfortable.

A clean sheet was not on the cards though as a rare Ashley Cole goal proved only a consolation for the Rams.

But a win is a win and now heads were turning, Brighton were just one game from Wembley.

Millwall vs Brighton

The Den, March 17

Possible one of the most nerve-wracking games in Albion’s recent history.

The Seagulls were outplayed by Millwall for 88 minutes.

The Lions had put themselves into a two goal lead courtesy of Alex Pearce and Aiden O’Brien.

Albion can consider themselves unlucky to have been in that position as a foul of Shane Duffy, which could have led to a penalty, and a further foul on Glenn Murray for Millwall’s opener saw the VAR debate brought back once again.

But then, with two minutes left to play, the miracle...

Jurgen Locadia scored to give Albion hope, but few fans could have anticipated what happened next.

In what proved to be one of the final kicks of the game, Brighton had a free kick in the Millwall half.

Solly March took it and looked to have wasted the chance, but instead of the ball flying into the keepers hands it was instead fumbled and flew into the back of the net.

A goalless period of extra time – in which Millwall’s Shane Ferguson was sent off for a stamp on Lewis Dunk –meant penalties beckoned.

Albion fans, and perhaps some of the players and staff, must have thought all the hard work had been undone when star striker Glenn Murray’s opening penalty rattled the crossbar.

The next six penalties would all be scored, leaving Millwall a goal better off as Mahlon Romeo stepped up for Millwall.

An outstretched leg from Maty Ryan saw the penalty saved, Albion were back level.

Dale Stephens and Steve Morison then both scored for their respective sides.

Step up Lewis Dunk.

The Albion Academy product and usual captain scored, to massive cheers. You’d never have known he was a defender.

Millwall’s Jake Cooper had to score to keep the Lions in it.

His shot blazed over the bar, cue incredible scenes on the pitch as the Albion players had completed a remarkable comeback.

Tears and hugs flowed in the stand as Albion fans soaked in the magnitude of what was happening.

For the first time since 1983 Brighton and Hove Albion would be playing an FA Cup game at Wembley Stadium.