The revamped Football League Trophy has been widely criticised - but Albion are not complaining.

Early attempts to invigorate the competition for lower league clubs backfired when several of the elite from the Premier League, invited to enter their under-21s, declined.

Others with Category One Academy status, like the Seagulls, have embraced the challenge.

While the competition received further bad publicity for fines dished out to a dozen clubs for fielding weakened sides, Albion have edged through to the last 32 and a visit to AFC Wimbledon tonight (7.45pm).

They have capitalised on the opportunity to give Simon Rusk's prospects more competitive experience alongside members of the first team squad returning from injury or lacking minutes than they get competing in the under-23s Premier League.

Solly March, Connor Goldson, Uwe Huenemeier (below), Seb Pocognoli, Richie Towell and Kazenga LuaLua all featured in the group stages against Southend, Stevenage and Leyton Orient.

The Argus: Manager Chris Hughton said of the competition: "It's been very good for us. We're quite fortunate with Solly, because he falls below the age limit, but in all of our games so far I've very much utliised my squad.

"The advantage we have as a club with that is it's great experience for the younger players to be playing with senior players in that level of competition.

"It is different and for us it's been really good, utilising the players we've got and giving them really competitive games."

That will be the case again this evening against AFC Wimbledon, who had an extraordinary FA Cup victory against National League North minnows Ashton Curzon on Sunday.

Neil Ardley's side looked on course for a humbling exit as they trailed 3-0 to a hat-trick by Adam Morgan with ten minutes left.

They levelled with three goals in as many minutes, scored by Tom Elliott, Dominic Poleon and Tyrone Barnett. Elliott then headed another in stoppage time to squeeze Wimbledon through to last night's third round draw.

Barnett was on target in the FL Trophy against Plymouth. The Dons also defeated Swansea to set up the clash against Albion as group winners.

Wimbledon are currently seventh in League One, outside the play-offs only by virtue of goal difference.

 

They are unbeaten for six games in all competitions and have scored five goals in two of their last three home matches.

Albion will be one of the few survivors left from the Championship and Premier League if they can keep their run going.

Eight clubs invited to enter their under-21s remain at the last 32 stage, five of them in the southern section.

The other four face each other, with Southampton drawn against Reading and Norwich at home to Swansea.