Johnny Cantor: I've said all along this feels like Albion's year

Last game of the season. A trip to Middlesbrough. Nothing on the game. Eh? Yes that was last season but once again the fixture computer has thrown up another long trip to the North East but this time everything is on the line.
Albion fans celebrate the late equaliser against Derby. Picture by Angela BrinkhurstAlbion fans celebrate the late equaliser against Derby. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst
Albion fans celebrate the late equaliser against Derby. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst

The wave of support for the Seagulls has turned into a tsunami in Sussex as they target the one final win that will deliver promotion.

It is a simple shoot-out. In one sense. However, in another it isn’t. The losers will be hurt but not out of it completely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of course teams, clubs and most fans wouldn’t want to go through the torment of the play-offs but sometimes it can bring ecstasy.

At Wembley on May 28, it really is ‘us or them’. I’ve said all along I felt this was the Albion’s year, the Albion’s turn, the Albion’s right.

A victory at the Riverside may be a tough assignment but Chris Hughton’s team should not fear the play-offs. Yes, there are good teams. Yes, the league results are irrelevant but they are still unbeaten in their past 13 and have won five out of the past six.

The squad are healthy bar a few long-term absentees. They remain the outsiders for the final automatic promotion place but that would change in the play-offs. And quite rightly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The defeats to Palace and Derby are in the past and wholly irrelevant to any possible campaign this year.

All that remains is to wish the team well. I hope the fans have a great day no matter what the result is.

Glory may or may not beckon, but if they have to wait until the end of the month, so be it. It would still be very special.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!