The stage is set for Albion's biggest-ever title party at the Amex today - after Newcastle ensured the champagne was kept on ice.

Newcastle kept the Championship race alive with a 2-0 win at Cardiff last night.

Ghanaian Christian Atsu clipped them ahead in the second half with a free-kick and Isaac Hayden added a stunning strike. Rafa Benitez’s side, promoted themselves on Monday, are now a point below Albion with just Barnsley’s visit to St James’ Park to come on May 7.

The Seagulls need a win against Bristol City or in their final fixture at Aston Villa a week tomorrow to go up to the Premier League next season as champions.

It would be Albion’s sixth league-winning trophy and the most prestigious.

The previous five, including the last at Withdean in 2010-11, were all in the third or fourth tiers of English football.

Boss Chris Hughton, who won the Championship with Newcastle in 2009-10, would love to see skipper Bruno lift the trophy at the Amex this evening. Hughton said: “As regards any personal achievement, it would be right up there, to win a title, but it would mostly be for this group of players.

“When you go through a playing career, there are a higher percentage of players that don’t win anything. These are precious days and particularly for the senior players, someone like Bruno, who has been outstanding for me.

“We’ve spoken long and hard about what this means to the club but for the players it’s the end of a brilliant season for them. They couldn’t really have put any more in.”