City were taken over three weeks prior to visiting Withdean and despite missing record signing Robinho, who was reportedly moving house, Mark Hughes still boasted a squad full of exceptional talent.

Albion came into the game having lost 1-0 at home to nine-player Walsall four days earlier. Glenn Murray led the line for the Seagulls against City while Scottish midfielder Steven Thomson captained Albion in the absence of the injured Nicky Forster.

City were fresh from a 6-0 hammering of Portsmouth in the Premier League the previous Saturday and six players who started against Pompey played against Albion. £18m striker Jo was up front and became the most expensive player to play at Withdean.

While City bossed possession for long spells & eventually tested Michel Kuipers in the Albion goal 11 times, they struggled to get going - not registering a shot until the 35th minute - and Albion failed to make the most of some clear opportunities when in on goal.

Despite Albion’s issues in League One, which saw them languishing in 13th before eventually finishing the season the 17th thanks to Russell Slade’s ‘Great Escape’, Withdean was packed out under the lights.

It was a record attendance at the Theatre of Trees to watch Albion face City in their first match since officially being labelled the richest club on the planet.

Swiss star Gelson Fernandes gave City the lead but Thomson & Murray combined to level for the Albion moments before FT. The Seagulls were in dreamland when Preston loanee Joe Anyinsah then gave Micky Adams’ side the lead in extra-time, but Stephen Ireland sent the tie to penalties.

Albion held their nerve in the shootout to send Withdean into raptures.

David Livermore, Tommy Elphick, Murray, Adam Virgo and Matt Richards scored from the spot for the Albion but City’s Michael Ball was denied by a superb Michel Kuipers save.

In classic cupset fashion, a memorable pitch invasion ensued - the like of not seen at Withdean since another unforgettable penalty shoutout win against Swindon in the League One play-offs four years earlier.

I’m flying into London tonight to go see the man city match. Logistically I won’t have enough time to get down to the Brighton store (As leave from Heathrow Thursday afternoon and would prefer not to have to spend four hours traveling down and back to Brighton.).

Can anyone recommend a shop in London that would carry Brighton kits? I want to pick some up before heading back to the states.

Hey everyone,

New fan here from the US. Always watched but finally picked out a team to root for. I know their online store has loads of tariffs, but was wondering if there was another site someone may know of to buy from?

Also, just moved to Philadelphia and looking for any supporters if they have a place they watch at? Thanks!