Doug Loft kept Albion in the F.A. Cup and then declared: "It means the world to me."

The midfield substitute had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he cracked in an injury time equaliser to cancel out Steven Gillespie's 77th minute volley for Cheltenham.

Loft's third goal for the club, and first away from home, gives the Seagulls a second chance in the replay at Withdean on Tuesday November 20.

He said: "It means the world to me. Sometimes when you are in and out of the team it is hard but you train hard and hope for an opportunity.

"I was about to get ready and then they scored and Nathan Elder went on, so I thought my chance had gone.

"I feel this season that I am making a lot of progress. I am learning and I am calmer in a game."

Loft showed calmness when a cross from Bas Savage was cleared to him and he drilled in a low shot.

It spared Albion's blushes after they had wasted several chances against the team propping up League One.

Loft said: "I just relaxed in front of goal. The ball sat down for me nicely and placed it into the corner.

"Hopefully it will give us a win in the replay. We played well enough to win this one and I think we deserved a victory but sometimes things do not fall for you."

Tommy Elphick went off with a groin injury in the second half after twisting a knee before the break and Andrew Whing is suspended for next Saturday's visit to Leyton Orient following his fifth booking.