ALBION fans were in party mood as their two-year exile at Gillingham came to an end.

There was a carnival atmosphere as happy Seagulls fans chanted and sang their way through the club's final game of the season.

The Priestfield Stadium was a sea of blue and white as fans turned out in force to watch Albion's final "home" game against Rochdale.

And their joy wasboosted by the knowledge that the long trek to watch the team is over and that they will be moving to Withdean Stadium in July.

They had barely finished celebrating after Thursday's unique referendum which resulted in a massive 84 per cent vote in favour of bringing the Albion back to Brighton.

The same poll showed 68 per cent of voters wanted the team to have its field of dreams in abrand new community stadium in Falmer.

Fans who had been to every match at Gillingham had each travelled 8,000 miles to and from home games in the last two seasons.

Many fans among the bumper crowd of more than 4,600 wore blue and white jester's hats with bells on.

They included Scott McCarthy, 11, from Burgess Hill, who said: "It was a great atmosphere, very noisy because the fans were happy to get out of Gillingham.

"It's been murder travelling there every other week.

"I'm looking forward to Withdean and I can't wait to get to Falmer."

During the match, fans standing on the Rainham End terrace urged seated supporters to "stand up if you're going home".

The seated fans, including chairman Dick Knight, rose as one. Some chanted back, "sit down if you're going home", prompting about 2,000 fans to sit on the packed terrace for a few seconds.

Kent Police had decided the match should be treated as high risk so 187 officers were on duty instead of the normal 20, costing Albion an extra £3,000.

Asmall number of fans were ejected from the ground after a minor scuffle, then a late equaliser by Rochdale dampened fans' enthusiasm for a few minutes.

But the mood was overwhelmingly one of celebration. All supporters heeded appeals to stay off the pitch at the end of the game, when Albion players thanked them for their support.

Albion manager Micky Adams said: "There were more police on show than at any other time, which I thought was disrespectful to the people and fans of Brighton.

"The fans were magnificent. They turned up in numbers and it just makes me more determined to produce a winning side for them."

Albion will play their first match at Withdean on July 24, a friendly against Nottingham Forest.

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