Consistency has been at forefront of Brighton's season

Chris Hughton’s men have made the Championship play-offs by virtue of a 22 game unbeaten sequence that started on the opening day and ended on December 19 after defeat to Middlesbrough, the team that would eventually pip them to second place and automatic promotion.

However, it was that month of December, and half of January, that probably denied Brighton a spot in top two, with their impressive run of form being quickly followed up by a failure to pick up a win in eight consecutive league games.

Since then, only one ‘L’ has been added to the tally, with Cardiff inflicting a defeat in late February that sparked another charge that sees the Seagulls head to Hillsborough on the back of a 14-game unbeaten streak.

Brighton have been the surprise package of the Championship season.

Last year’s campaign saw the south coast side finish up six points from the relegation zone and they had been widely tipped to battle against the drop again this term.

Goals all over the pitch though, made them the division’s joint top scorers and only Hull, Middlesbrough and champions Burnley conceded less.

Tomer Hemed got 17 of those and it’s no coincidence that that run of poor form during December and January came during one of two lean spell for the 29 year-old.

The Israel international has finished the season superbly with 11 goals in his last 17 games, including a hat-trick in Brighton’s 5-0 win over Fulham last month.

Playing in behind Hemed, Anthony Knockaert has proved an inspired January transfer window signing.

After spending half a season in Belgium with Standard Leige, the 24 year-old Frenchman ended up at the Amex where he has produced some impressive displays and five goals in 18 games from midfield.

At the other end, Spanish right back Bruno is one of two ever-present players - goalkeeper David Stockdale the other - and his consistent performances saw the bearded veteran voted in the Football League Team of the Year and the PFA Championship Team of the Year.