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Chris Hughton: Final day heartache fires Brighton up for Championship play-offs
CHRIS HUGHTON says the painful experience of falling short in last Saturday's winner-takes-all meeting with Middlesbrough can help Brighton's play-off ambitions.
Chris Hughton previously led Newcastle to promotion as Championship winners
The failure to beat Boro at the Riverside meant Hughton's side finished behind their hosts on goal difference, forcing them to extend their season.
Now Hughton's side must face Sheffield Wednesday, who finished sixth, 15 points behind Albion, in tonight's semi-final with the first leg at Hillsborough.
"It was great preparation for us, as much for the environment as the actual game itself," he said. "We were away from home with a noisy, enthusiastic home crowd would have taken up 90 per cent of the stadium.
"I don't like running up to referees to ask them to book people but if it's blatantly obvious what teams trying to do you have a word.
"Fernando has taken a bit of a beating this season with players trying to get into him. He has just shrugged it off and has been fantastic. Hopefully the referee will look after him."
Kick-off: 7.45pm. TV: Sky Sports 1.