Albion's youngsters crashed out of the FA Youth Cup last night in the most cruel fashion at the hands of Manchester City.

The Seagulls led 1-0 after a superb strike from promising centre forward Jake Robinson.

But a mistake by keeper Richard Martin, which allowed Ishmael Miller to equalise on the hour mark, proved critical.

City stole victory with a winner in the third minute of injury time.

Midfielder Michael Johnson closed down a clearance which fell invitingly for Ashley Grimes, and the striker wasted little time in curling the ball past Martin in the Albion goal.

Robinson could have levelled it in the five minutes of stoppage time which were played, but young City keeper Kasper Schmeical, son of former Manchester United keeper Peter, denied him with a wonderful save.

It was rough justice on Albion who had started the better of the two sides and could have quite easily been 3-0 up by the break.

Robinson had other chances and could have scored a hat-trick, but again was denied by Schmeichel in the 27th and 33rd minutes respectively with two great saves.

City themselves nearly scored after 30 seconds. Martin fumbled the ball in the box under pressure and Miller fed to Kyle Wallwork.

The midfielder slotted home but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Albion rode their luck and despite other good chances could not stop City equalising. Martin's error allowed Miller to fire through a crowd of players and the ball trickled over the line.

Seagulls coach Dean Wilkins admitted: "I'm disappointed in the manner in which we lost. It was a difficult match but we had enough chances to win the game."

City coach Jim Cassell admitted: "We could not deal with the movement of Robinson and it was a bit of a struggle, but we'll take any result against a good side like Brighton."

City Youth: Schmeical; Wallwork, Williamson, McDonald (Russell 54), Onouha, Williams, Etuhu, Johnson, Grimes, Miller, Logan (Sturridge 59). Subs not used: Matthewieson, McGinlay, Marshall.

Albion Youth: Martin; May, Rents, Chamberlain (Fraser 48), Mountford, Lynch, Fogden (Leach 90), Cairey, Gatting, Robinson, Cox. Subs not used: Sullivan, Jarvis, Hinshelwood.