Steve Sidwell has revealed how David Stockdale cursed his luck after a double own goal nightmare.

But the midfielder believes last night’s 2-0 defeat at Norwich could yet be a blessing in disguise as the Seagulls aim to secure the Championship title on home turf.

Stockdale twice saw shots by Alex Pritchard bounce off him and into the net to give Norwich the points and put title celebrations on ice.

Sidwell spoke to his colleague in the changing room and said: “He thought he was very unlucky.

“He said he might as well get on the plane home on his own so he doesn’t bring us his bad luck!”

Sidwell admitted those in front of Stockdale might have been more at fault as Pritchard let fly from around the edge of the box.

He said: “We dissect goals from start to finish. Where did we lose the ball? Where did we over-cover?

“Were there not enough strong tackles going in? Were there not enough bodies around when he hit the shot?”

He added: “Apart from the goals we were always in the game. Two own goals? I don’t think that has ever been seen before, definitely not on Stocko’s behalf.

“But it has given us the kick up the backside we might need to go again, train again this week and then really kick on at home to Bristol City.

“It’s a freak. We’ve lost the game and we are bitterly disappointed but it’s still all in our hands.”

Sidwell said the promotion party after beating Wigan did not affect preparation for the Norwich trip.

He said: “Monday was fantastic. I don’t think the gaffer was quite expecting the celebrations to be as mad as that. But we were professional from Tuesday, we trained hard and we didn’t rest on our laurels. We went out with the right attitude to win the game but it didn’t go for us.”