Boro Blog: 'We Are Premier League'

By Robert Nichols

Excitement, tension and then an outpouring of pure relief; Saturday's high noon end of season showdown with promotion opponents Brighton had all these emotions and far, far more for the full house crowd. It was a match sold out weeks in advance. The prize was incredible: winner takes promotion. Or crucially in Boro's case a draw guaranteed entry into the promised land of the Premier League.

That was they way it turned out, but what a fight to get there. The Boro crowd turned up early in their red and white, and packed out the stadium turning it into a cup final at home. The volume level was incredible. It was a quite amazing experience to be part of something historic. But it would only be so if we avoided defeat. When Boro took the lead midway through the first half the roar was like a sonic boom. Top scorer Stuani had been a shock recall to the team, Nugent also a surprise starter fed him a centre and the Uruguayan fired home. Oh what a moment. The South American was denied a second by a heroic goal line clearance as Boro went for the jugular to kill off the Seagulls' challenge once and for all.

Yet even though dominating the first half and creating several more clear cut opportunities, we couldn't quite find that all important second goal. Second half and we had to weather an early storm. Yet it was comfortable enough as Dimi oozed confidence in goal and in truth had few saves to make behind the dual powerhouses of Gibson and Ayala.

It was a real shock when Dale Stephens headed an equaliser from a narrow angle. He had converted from a dubious looking free kick. But now we were all square on the day again, and only goal difference was keeping us a nose ahead. Suddenly the tension level had ratcheted up. No one had been doing much sleeping in the week before the game and now half way through it, one slip and we were down.

As the clock ticked on, one slip could mean we were out. A lot has been said about Dale Stephens' red card, but for me it was a vicious, reckless challenge that left our main playmaker writhing in agony with a gaping wound in his shin. To my mind it was a clear red card. It might have taken any momentum out of The Seagulls sails but it also deprived us of a player capable of destroying the defences of the visitors. The injury also led to most of the eight minutes that were added on. Eight minutes that were excruciating to watch. Just one lucky deflection now and it could cost us so dearly.

When keeper Dimi plucked the ball out of the air deep into stoppage time it was a sign. We were almost there, across the line.The final whistle signalled a pitch invasion. A red and white tidal wave of relief and pure joy and exhilaration. We felt like crying with the intensity of the situation. The score board said 1-1. It then flashed up: 'We Are Premier League'. After an epic season of ups, downs, management walk-outs and recoveries, we had made it. After seven long years in the wilderness we are back. And I can't quite believe it.