Albion’s youngsters get another chance to learn the hard way tonight – as they chase a cup final appearance.

The Seagulls’ development squad take on National League south outfit Eastbourne Borough in the semi-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup at Culver Road, Lancing (7.15pm).

They have fielded a youthful side, even by under-23 standards, in previous rounds at Hailsham, where they won 3-0, and Crowborough, who were beaten 2-0.

There could be under-18s involved again tonight as the two sides lock horns on the 3G.

The tie promises to be an attractive footballing contest against a Borough side who love to get the ball down and play.

But Albion coach Vic Bragg also recognises there will be a highly competitive element which can benefit the club’s bright prospects.

He told The Argus: “We have had a couple of good games in the competition and this will be the hardest one yet.

“It has got progressively more difficult, round by round, and that is the challenge for them. Eastbourne Borough are a good side. We have seen them play and I’m sure they have seen us.

“We have been relatively young all season and this will be no exception. We get the occasional first team player with us but not often.

“But it gives our boys the chance to play at the next level.”

Albion’s development squad enjoyed a 4-2 win over Middlesbrough at the Amex five days ago which included a couple of cracking goals, They have now lost the services of the scorer of the first of them, Henrik Bjordal, to a loan deal with IFK Gothenburg.

Supporters making their way to Culver Road might be hoping for another glimpse of Aaron Connolly, the Irish striker who netted with an overhead kick against Boro.

James Tilley, who scored twice and missed a penalty, could be among the more senior players on show tonight.

Connolly is an under-18 but is already starting to make quite an impression at the older age group.

Bragg said: “There will be some under-18 involvement in the match. We will see how they roll their sleeves up and dig in when they have to. They will have to do the nasty bits, if you like, at times rather than just playing their football all the time. You have to battle sometimes.”

Borough lifted the trophy last year when they beat Worthing 1-0 in the final and are keen to return to the Amex for a showdown with Crawley Town.

Tommy Widdrington’s men have already seen off Worthing (2-0), Chichester City (2-1) and Crawley Down (9-0) to reach the last four and are expected to name a strong side as they are comfortably in mid-table in National League south.

Assistant manager Hugo Langton said: “We’re really looking forward to it. Even though it is their under-23 side Brighton are the biggest club in the competition so it will be a good test for us. All the pressure is on them because they will be expecting to win and will want to reach the final at their own ground.

“That suits us as it means we can go there as underdogs and enjoy the occasion.”

Borough will have the advantage of being familiar with the 3G surface having installed one at Priory Lane last summer but Langton insists that is irrelevant.

He added: “We’ve had that all season with people saying we have an unfair advantage but most teams train on artificial pitches so I don’t accept that.

“Brighton have one at their training ground and I’m sure they will have prepared on it so the surface won’t come into it at all.”

Albion squad: Collings, Sanchez, Collar, Cox, Cadman, A. Davies, Barker, Hall, Barclay, Hutchinson, Molumby, J. Davies, Tighe, Connolly, Mandroiu, Tilley.