An amazing night of football at the Withdean the Minnows of Albion face the "Worlds richest club" Manchester City minus Robinho.

As I said in my previous report, I didn't think we would win. Boy I was wrong, but on my way to the game I had a feeling it was going to be a special night for us and it was.

A few changes in the side saw Loft playing off Murrays shoulder and Cox dropped to the bench.

Brighton started the stronger - our first chance was Thomson who ran through on goal and lashed a shot passed Schmeichel and hit the post. Man City displayed a lot through the first half that they were a strong team and comfortable with the ball, but the shots they had were all high or wide.

Then in the second half more good attacking play from Man City, which eventually ended up in a goal on 64 minutes from Fernandes, a shot from the side of the box deflected in past Kuipers.

A great run by Murray say him one-on-one with the keeper but he blasted straight at him. Then the turning point. Adams took off the tiring Loft and replaced him with Anyinsah. The man is strong and caused City a lot of headaches.

Albion kept Man City to long-range shots and attacked well themselves, especially when Cox came on for Fraser; the game seemed to open up and we attacked more, especially on the break.

Then, in the 89th minute, Thomson attacked and got into the box, shot and Schmeichel parried into the path of Murray who slotted home and forced the game into extra time.

Then the unthinkable happened - we took the lead! Good work down the left, a cross to the very impressive Anyinsah, who poked the ball home and put the Albion 2-1 up.

The second half of extra time saw Man City press again and a long ball from defence fell to the feet of Ireland who slotted past Kuipers and sent the game to penalties.

Brighton won the toss and selected taking penalties at the home end in front of their own fans. We also took the first penalty.


Livermore first SCORED bottom right 1-0
Evans first SCORED also bottom right 1-1
Elphick SCORED bottom left 2-1
Elano SCORED left side 2-2
Murray SCORED bottom right 3-2
Kompany SCORED mid right 3-3
Virgo SCORED bottom right 4-3
Ball SAVED straight down the middle
Richards SCORED mid left and sent Albion through to the next round against Derby.

He was mobbed by players and then a huge pitch invasion covered all the players and there was mass jubilation among players, fans and backroom staff.

One of the best games I have ever been to. Great atmosphere, no booing and a fantastic display and result, I hope we can use this display as a starting block for home matches this season.

My match ratings:
Kuipers 10
Whing 10
Elphick 10
Virgo 10
Richards 10
El-Abd 10
Fraser 10
Thomson 10
Livermore 10
Loft 10
Murray 10

Cox 10
Cook 10
Anyinsah 12

On another subject, Joel Lynch has been loaded out to Forest and to be honest I cannot see him returning. He is a talented player but had the chance to play against Walsall and chose not to. I think we could get a decent player with the money we could make from him in the January window.

Bring on Northampton at the weekend. We have already beaten them once this season away, we can do it again.