Dean Wilkins watched his Albion wonder kids dump super-rich Chelsea out of the FA Youth Cup at Withdean last night, then insisted: "We can play better".

First half goals by the outstanding Joe Gatting and strike partner Dan Leach in front of an extraordinary 3,000 gate booked a fifth round trip for the young Seagulls to Derby or Blackburn, who play tonight.

Youth coach Wilkins said: "The players worked their socks off for the cause and the club and I'm really proud of them but what the public saw was probably not them at their best.

"That's no disrespect to Chelsea. This is probably the best squad I've had in my eight years in the job. There were glimpses of that but we are capable of better.

"It's important the lads realise they are good players and shouldn't be in awe of clubs like Chelsea. They are every bit as good, they just need to show more belief."

The impression Wilkins and his promising prospects are making on the Brighton and Hove public was illustrated by the size of the crowd. Fans were still pouring into the ground a quarter-of-an-hour after the kick-off, by which time both sides had already scored.

Gatting, who made his first team debut as a substitute at Southampton earlier this month, demonstrated his intent inside 40 seconds with a shot which forced Chelsea keeper Nick Hamann into a save.

The son of Albion's 1983 FA Cup final defender Steve took only four minutes to add another goal to his prolific tally this season, capitalising on a mistake by Harry Worley to slot Albion ahead from close range.

Chelsea levelled in the eighth minute, the identity of the goalscorer emphasising that the spending power of Roman Abramovich filters down to youth level.

Scott Sinclair, a lightning quick left winger bought from Bristol Rovers for £250,000, was 15 when he made his first team debut.

Sinclair showed why he is so highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, showing the Seagulls' defence a clean pair of heels before finishing well with an angled drive past John Sullivan.

Leach restored Albion's advantage in the 21st minute, finishing off following an almighty scramble when Hamann missed a corner.

Both teams had other chances in an eventful first half. Tommy Fraser, playing at centre half with Joel Lynch saved for Albion's first team fixture at Sheffield United on Saturday, cleared off the line from Jack Watkins and Sinclair stabbed inches wide.

Hamann redeemed himself with a diving stop at full stretch which prevented Leach firing Albion further in front.

The Seagulls, good value for their lead at the interval, were pressed back after the break.

James Simmonds curled a 20-yard free-kick narrowly wide for Chelsea, the ever-dangerous Sinclair just missed the target with another angled effort and Sullivan produced a stunning block when Shaun Cummings seemed certain to equalise.

Albion had a willing outlet in Gatting. Strong in possession and tireless, he gave Worley such a tough time that the 6ft 3in stopper, signed from Stockport, was substituted.

Gatting was desperately unlucky not to clinch the tie with a thumping header against the bar from Scott Chamberlain's corner 12 minutes from time. Chelsea's growing desperation was emphasised by a bad tackle by Liam Bridcutt on Chamberlain, provoking a flare-up which ended with bookings for the midfield rivals.

Sinclair spurned the Londoners' last chance, slotting the wrong side of a post from substitute Jonas Elmer's cross with four minutes left.

Wilkins saluted all of his players but he had a special mention for Gatting. "Every one of them worked hard but the role Joe had to play when we went 2-1 up was a lone role and he did it absolutely magnificently," Wilkins said.

"In the past we have fallen at this hurdle against a Premiership club by the odd goal. We've gone that next stage now and hopefully we can carry it on."

  • Albion Youth (4-4-2): Sullivan; Hinshelwood, T. Elphick, Fraser, Cobbs; Fogden, Taylor, Chamberlain, Jarvis; Gatting, Leach. Subs: Skinner for Taylor (withdrawn 87), Gargan, Winterton, Skinner, Martin, Bryant.
  • Chelsea Youth (4-3-3): Hamann; Hutchinson, Worley, Cork, Bertrand; Bridcutt, Furman, Simmonds; Cummings, Watkins, Sinclair. Subs: Ferreira for Watkins (withdrawn 58), Elmer for Worley (withdrawn 75), Russell, Fernandes, Saarelma.