Albion chairman Dick Knight has apologised to fans for under-estimating the interest in last night's stunning FA Youth Cup victory over Chelsea at Withdean.

An official crowd of 2,927 packed into the Seagulls' temporary home to see Dean Wilkins' under-18s upset the runaway Premiership leaders 2-1.

Hundreds of spectators had to be let in free to avoid a crush outside and the actual attendance looked much bigger.

Albion decided to open only the north and north east stands for the fourth round clash but they were already full before kick-off.

Huge queues were forming outside the ground so supporters were allowed in for nothing and the South Stand had to be opened. They were still pouring in with the match well under way.

Knight apologised for the chaos over the public address system at half-time.

"It's an amazing turn-out and I have to admit we completely under-estimated it," he said.

Supporters allowed in without paying were asked to contribute to a hastily arranged bucket collection.

Wilkins said. "I did anticipate this. My family came down for the game and I told them to get there early. I know we were anticipating 1,500 but I thought there could be up to 3,500."

Goals by Joe Gatting and Dan Leach put Albion through to the fifth round for the second time in five seasons.