Arctic Circle stalemate as Brighton held 0-0 by Tromso, 407 fans make epic trek | OneFootball

Brighton were held 0-0 by Tromso inside the Arctic Circle in a Conference League qualifying play-off first leg at the Romssa Arena, where 407 away fans looked on.

According to WeAreBrighton.com, those long-serving travellers half-expected a goalless stalemate, or worse.

An Albion starting XI worth over £200 million could not breach a Tromso squad valued at £13.2 million.

The visitors were adjusting to a 3G surface and a formidable home record. The Norwegians are midway through their season, while Brighton were playing their first competitive match, so Tromso had a fitness edge.

Even so, it did not feel unreasonable to think Albion might score against the side currently third in the Eliteserien, and the absence of Danny Welbeck was felt.

Away from the pitch, the trip was unforgettable despite the cost, from Arctic scenery to reindeer hotdogs.

Fans sipped pints with Tony Bloom, sweated in saunas then plunged into icy fjords, and clocked stuffed polar bears and the world's northernmost McDonald's.

It was a far cry from Oldham away, and, despite the latitude, still 10 degrees warmer than Boundary Park.

More of the same would be welcome this season, Marseille, Ajax, AEK Athens and Roma included. First, Albion are urged not to mess up the second leg at the Amex next week.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”