AS FANS make the journey to London’s Wembley Stadium today, no doubt many will be thinking back to May 21, 1983, when hordes of Seagulls supporters made the same trip.

The opponents on that fateful day? Manchester United.

The occasion? The FA Cup final.

It was a day of joy that turned into a day of “what ifs” for the Seagulls.

After a thrilling contest Albion and United entered the final minute at Wembley with the score poised at 2-2.

Then came the moment that still haunts every Albion fan who was alive to see it.

With a clear shot on goal Albion striker Gordon Smith could have won the tie, and the cup, for Brighton.

The infamous line “Smith must score” could be heard for those watching on TV.

But Smith did not score, his shot was hit straight at United goalkeeper Gary Bailey and soon after came the final whistle.

This match came in the days before extra time and penalties decided cup ties, and so, five days later, the teams met again.

Although this time it was not so close. United came out comfortable 4-0 victors.

But that “what might have been” moment still stays with Albion fans.

As memories of that era come flooding back, fans may see a certain similarity between the Albion team who made that trip and the team who today take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final.

Much like today, Brighton were embroiled in a tricky battle against relegation from the top flight.

Having been promoted in the 1978/79 season, The Seagulls had enjoyed three years in the old First Division.

After two seasons of struggling, Albion finished in 13th place in their third year back in the top flight.

But this fourth season was proving far more challenging all together.

After the departure of Mike Bailey as manager, the man who had seen Albion to their highest league finish, Jimmy Melia came in to take the reins.

Liverpudlian Melia had not had a managerial job since leaving the Cleveland Cobras in 1979, but the Seagulls still had hopes of maintaining their top flight status.

The season did not pan out that way and come the close of the season Melia’s men were starring down the barrel of relegation.

The predicament may not be as bad this time around, but Chris Hughton’s Premier League outfit are by no means clear of danger in the league. They currently sit just five points ahead of Cardiff City, with one relegation spot left to be filled.

Almost bigger than today’s cup games are the two Premier League clashes against Bournemouth and Cardiff that immediately follow it.

This situation this time around is also different to the last FA Cup game Albion had at Wembley, because that was the final while this is the semi final. However the stature of the team the Seagulls are up against is very similar.

Manchester City are the current Premier League champions and could even make a case for being the best team in the world.

Much like back in ’83, the odds are against us.

Albion are the underdogs, just as they were 36 years ago.

It could prove to be a blessing for Chris Hughton and his side, who are not expected to be the team that end City’s hunt for the quadruple this year.

With nothing to lose Albion fans will hope the team give City a run for their money and cause the unlikeliest of FA Cup upsets.

If that miracle were to happen then another trip to Wembley would be in store, against the winner of the tie between Watford and Wolves.

But, just like in 1983, Brighton fans will hopefully make the journey to Wembley today expecting little but ready to enjoy the grandeur of the occasion.