Brighton 4 Daggers 3

DAGENHAM & Redbridge did their best to delay Brighton's promotion celebrations but they eventually fell short in a seven-goal thriller.

The plucky Daggers twice took the lead against League One's leaders but were pegged back on each occasion as the Seagulls secured promotion to the Championship.

A first-minute goal for the relegation-threatened visitors to the Withdean Stadium was not in the script, with Dagenham's role in the parade expected to amount to little more than a supporting cast.

However, John Akinde clearly did not got the memo, as his deflected shot evaded Casper Ankergren in the Seagulls' goal.

It was a blow Gus Poyet's men had not anticipated, but they quickly responded, proving why they have so comfortably run away with the title this season and remained unbeaten at home all campaign.

Tony Roberts had to be at his agile best to tip over a strike from Craig Noone, but he could not prevent full-back Inigo Calderon from stabbing in from a flicked-on corner on 18 minutes.

Just a minute later and normal service had been resumed, Glenn Murray nodding home Noone's cross.

Far from accepting their fate, Dagenham hit back to end the half on top, Akinde seeing two efforts well saved by Ankergren.

The warning shots were not heeded and within six minutes of the restart the Daggers had reclaimed the lead.

Jon Nurse effort hit Calderon and flew into the net, before the troublesome Akinde was felled in the box, giving Danny Green the chance to dispatch the spot-kick.

Brighton rallied again, however, and were level through Liam Bridcutt's fierce strike. The seventh and deciding goal of the game arrived on 63 minutes from the head of Ashley Barnes. Cue the celebrations, but Brighton knew they had been in a real scrap, with the spirit shown by John Still's troops sure to stand them in good stead for the remaining five cup finals that await them.