Albion won four promotions during their time at Withdean.

But there is an argument that staying up in the Championship in 2004-05 was just as big an achievement, if not bigger.

The Seagulls defied the odds to retain second-tier status, secured on the last day of the season 16 years ago today.

They came from behind to draw 1-1 and secure the point they needed at home to high-flying Ipswich Town.

Gillingham went down instead.

The result denied the Tractor Boys any chance of automatic promotion.

Both goals came in the opening ten minutes.

The talismanic Adam Virgo delayed knee surgery so he could return to the side as part of a back five.

Albion’s tactical plan saw Virgo and Guy Butters look to deal with Shefki Kuqi and 20-goal Darren Bent while Adam El-Abd helped right-back Paul Reid keep their former colleague Darren Currie quiet in wide areas.

Virgo scored the equaliser after Kelvin Davis had pushed out Gary Hart’s header.

That said, Virgo’s bold move looked like it might back-fire when his error let in Shefki Kuqi to score on four minutes for Ipswich.

There were tense moments late on as Ipswich boss Joe Royle sent on two more strikers and a penalty appeal against Dan Harding was waved away.

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As it turned out, Ipswich would not have gone up anyway as rivals Wigan beat Reading.

But they could not be sure of that at that moment.

The Seagulls, though, held on and there were scenes of great celebration at the end.

The Argus:

Tension shows for Mark McGhee as Albion play Ipswich at Withdean

Boss Mark McGhee, who had taken the club up via the play-offs a year earlier, looked shattered and relieved as the final whistle went.

But it was a memorable afternoon at the Theatre of Trees – and an achievement not to be under-estimated.

Albion: Blayney; Reid, El-Abd, Butters, Virgo, Harding; Oatway, Carpenter, Hammond; Hart (McPhee 81), Knight (Robinson 89). Subs not used: Shaaban, Mayo, Nicolas.

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