Albion are out of the Conti Cup after a tale of two penalties at Manchester United.

The Seagulls went down 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Ini Umotong hit the bar with a penalty in the second half when they were 1-0 down.

Kayleigh Green, having come off the bench, then set up a tense finale by converting from the spot to bring the deficit back to 2-1.

The match saw a debut for Norway goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand, who signed recently.

Albion will feel they had chances to at least force extra-time and will be disappointed to have gone out.

But they will be pleased with the improved performance compared to their 4-0 defeat at the same venue in the league.

The fact boss Hope Powell made five changes also hinted at where the competition ranks in the club’s priorities.

They go to West Ham on Sunday in the league.

Abbie McManus prodded in a cross at the far post to give United a half-time lead.

They almost made it 2-0 as Jess Sigsworth’s header cannoned off the crossbar.

Albion had a great chance to draw level ten minutes into the second half when Emily Simpkins was fouled in the box.

Umotong sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot but her shot was a touch too high.

The visitors had other good chances after that and it was a cruel blow when Jane Ross doubled the lead.

Green reduced the deficit and Albion pushed for a leveller, with sub Danie Bowman seeing a free-kick held in added time.

Albion: Fiskerstrand; Lundorf, Kerkdijk (Bowman 89), Williams, Gibbons; Simpkins (Green 71), Connolly; Natkiel, A. Whelan, Nilden (Roe 81); Umotong.