The faintest whiff of spring hope can galvanise the spirit. Just a glimpse of sunshine can stir the soul. And a solid Sam Allardyce defensive block can send a relegation-threatened club’s fans all dreamy in late February.
Big Sam couldn’t do it again, could he? Well, if fate continues to conspire as it did here and if Brighton remain resolute in their determination to drag themselves into the relegation dog fight, then perhaps they can.
Everton are up next here for West Brom – tricky fixture that – but then Newcastle at home. And after weeks of looking a shambolic Championship-bound mess, something appeared to have turned when they drew at Manchester United.