Norwich City's recent history against Brighton isn't bad at all – as long as you can close your eyes tightly enough and try and ignore the first meeting of the current season.

Eastern Daily Press: Elliott Bennett has his boot high in a challenge with City's Korey Smith. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesElliott Bennett has his boot high in a challenge with City's Korey Smith. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

A 5-0 thrashing last October really did tip City over the edge as far as their dreadful away form is concerned: City went on to pick up just six away points from a possible 39. Before that game they had taken 11 from 21. The Bank Holiday Monday win at Preston doesn't disguise the fact that City have been appalling away from home.

However, if you want to feel a little better and remember an era when City could win away from home with joyful regularity, then cast your minds back to the heady days of the 2009-2010 season, when everything was rosy in the garden.

Paul Lambert took his City side down to Brighton and their former home at the Withdean Stadium. City had already thumped Brighton 4-1 at Carrow Road three months earlier, but this was a different story.

Brighton were ahead after 21 minutes through a free-kick by Elliott Bennett – who would go on to join City in the summer of 2011.

Eastern Daily Press: Wes Hoolahan tries to find a way between the challenges of Elliott Bennett and Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesWes Hoolahan tries to find a way between the challenges of Elliott Bennett and Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Brighton looked on the way to easing their relegation troubles, but the game was turned on its head in the final 10 minutes. First, Grant Holt levelled on 80 minutes, firing home after a cross by Wes Hoolahan.

Then, four minutes later, Gary Doherty headed home Darel Russell's free-kick from close range.

It was a win which extended City's lead at the top to four points – and come the end of the season they were waving goodbye to League One as champions.

Eastern Daily Press: Gary Dicker tries to find a way around City's Anthony McNamee. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesGary Dicker tries to find a way around City's Anthony McNamee. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Overall record (all competitions)

Norwich 32 wins – 24 draws – Brighton 30 wins

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Martin sees his shot saved. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesChris Martin sees his shot saved. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Korey Smith holds off Brighton's Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesKorey Smith holds off Brighton's Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Grant Holt with referee Dean Whitestone. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesGrant Holt with referee Dean Whitestone. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Darel Russell tangles with Brighton striker Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesDarel Russell tangles with Brighton striker Glenn Murray. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Nelson clears a shot off the line. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesMichael Nelson clears a shot off the line. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Which way to go? Korey Smith, left, and Andrew Crofts, who later became a Norwich City player. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesWhich way to go? Korey Smith, left, and Andrew Crofts, who later became a Norwich City player. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Grant Holt celebrates his equaliser. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesGrant Holt celebrates his equaliser. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Eastern Daily Press: Gary Doherty heads home the winner in a 2-1 victory over Brighton in February 2010. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus ImagesGary Doherty heads home the winner in a 2-1 victory over Brighton in February 2010. Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images (Image: Focus Images 2010)