Brighton & Hove Albion will play in Premier League 2 Division 1 next season after securing promotion with a 2-0 Division 2 play-off final victory against Aston Villa.
Henrik Bjordal gave the visiting Seagulls, who finished two points and a position behind second-placed Aston Villa, the lead at Villa Park with a close-range shot on 23 minutes.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy had an effort superbly saved by Robert Sanchez as Villa pushed for an equaliser.
But Aaron Connolly headed in Max Sanders' cross to put Brighton 2-0 up on 69 minutes and secure their first campaign in Division 1.
They will join Division 2 champions Blackburn Rovers in the top flight next season.
See: Aston Villa report | Brighton report
Brighton celebrate play-off victory
🏆 What a way to end a long season of hard work!
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) May 12, 2018
The moment @maxsanders99 lifted the #PL2 Play-Off Final trophy.#BHAFC 🔶⚫ pic.twitter.com/SGKCvUZDGw
