Craig Mackail-Smith headed Albion into the third round of the Carling Cup on a fabulous night at The Amex.

His goal secured a 1-0 win over Premier League Sunderland and maintained the Seagulls' unbeaten record this season.

The summer signing rose at the far post to head home a cross from Alan Navarro and send three sides of the stadium into delirium in the sixth minute of extra-time.

Albion deserved their win and will feel they should have secured it in the 90 minutes.

Mackail-Smith hit the inside of the far post in the 50th minute after being sent clear by Liam Bridcutt.

And Inigo Calderon seemed to be upended by debut keeper Kieran Westwood, only for referee Andy D'Urso to rule he dived and show the defender a yellow card.

Albion lost Gordon Greer at half-time with a calf injury and his replacement Romain Vincelot (elbow) half an hour later but came through a stern test in defence, where young Liam Dunk was immense.

Sunderland had their best spell late in the first half and Casper Ankergren had to be alert to parry Craig Gardner's swerving drive.

But Albion should have been ahead by then.

Having escaped when Stephane Sessegnon fired a great chance wide, they carved the best opening of the half.

Westwood parried a stinging Mackail-Smith volley but only as far as Ashley Barnes, who fired over when well placed.