A pair of unfortunate David Stockdale own goals meant Brighton and Hove Albion were made to wait for the Championship title as they lost 2-0 at Norwich City on Friday.
Having sealed promotion to the Premier League with victory over Wigan Athletic on Monday, Chris Hughton's side - seven points ahead of nearest rivals Newcastle United with three games remaining - could have clinched top spot with a win at Carrow Road, but two moments of misfortune for Stockdale denied the league leaders.
Alex Pritchard's fine 18th-minute shot struck the crossbar and ricocheted into the net via the helpless Stockdale and, after John Ruddy's smart save had denied Uwe Hunemeier's close-range header at the other end, the Norwich midfielder repeated the trick.
Pritchard, linked with a move to Brighton last year, again hit the woodwork, the post this time deflecting the ball against Stockdale and over the line six minutes before half-time.
Hughton, on his return to his former club, failed to muster a tangible response from the visitors as Norwich held firm and retained a threat on the break after the interval.
Stockdale has just got a wonderful reception from the fans in the Barclay End at Carrow Road as he comes out for second half. April 21, 2017
Brighton could now see Newcastle close the gap at the top to four points against Preston North End on Monday, before the Seagulls take their title bid back to the Amex Stadium to face Bristol City next weekend.
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023
