Albion's interest in the Football League Trophy has been extended into the New Year, with the incentive of a trip to Wembley creeping into view.
The under-21s reached the last 16 with a 2-1 win against League One Wimbledon at Kingstonian's Kingsmeadow ground tonight.
Their progress was blemished by a late red card for Kazenga LuaLua for gesturing to the crowd.
Kazenga LuaLua is dismissed
The Seagulls once again used the competition to combine some of Simon Rusk's prospects with senior pros on their way back from injury or unable to force their way into Chris Hughton's first team plans.
Two of them, Dutch striker Elvis Manu and Irish midfielder, scored in the first half.
Niki Maenpaa, LuaLua and Rohan Ince also made strong contributions to a competent performance.
Ince, playing at centre-half where he used to operate for Chelsea before former manager Oscar Garcia converted him into a defensive midfielder, was outstanding in his first appearance since the death of his father.
Maenpaa was also in good form behind him with three fine saves as the Seagulls inflicted Wimbledon's first defeat in seven matches in all competitions to secure a place in Thursday morning's last 16 draw.
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