BOSS Chris Hughton believes Albion deserved their win over bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

But his joy was tempered by an injury to Izzy Brown. The loan signing from Chelsea was forced off after only six minutes with a knee injury.

Hughton said: “I thought overall we were the better side. They started stronger in the second half. When they got the equaliser, which was a wonder goal, and then you miss a couple of very good chances – Sam Baldock and Kayal – you start to think it’s not going to be your day.

“At that stage you probably think it’s going to be a replay but I think we were forceful enough to deserve the victory.”

Brown was hurt in a challenge for the ball with Jeffrey Schlupp, who was also forced off a few minutes later.

Hughton said: “We’ll see how it is. At this moment he’s sore but we’re hopeful it’s not too bad. I was really looking forward to his performance. It was a really good opportunity for him, so that’s taken a little bit of the joy out of winning for me.”

Albion travel to former Championship rivals Middlesbrough, now managed by Tony Pulis, in the fourth round at the end of the month.

Hughton said: “It’s difficult. You want a home tie and a team out of the division you are in.

"We have got one of them against a very good team with a new manager who will motivate them."