Albion tried their FA Cup luck from outside the box – and it was enough to send them into the fifth round.

Actually, there was nothing lucky about the Yves Bissouma strike from 25 yards which opened the scoring against Blackpool today.

But the goal which secured a 2-1 win certainly saw the Gods smile on them.

Alexis Mac Allister had a go from a little closer in and the ball hit the unwitting Steven Alzate to wrongfoot the keeper and spin gently home.

Bissouma’s goal was his first at the Amex. Alzate’s was his first for the club.

One bugbear for Albion fans of late has been their side’s seeming reluctance at times to shoot from outside the box.

Solly March put that right with the goal which gave them the lead at Newport County in the previous round.

WHICH WAS BETTER? BISSOUMA'S BELTER OR CALDE'S CLASSIC?

Bissouma and Mac Allister are not shy when it comes to letting fly and it paid off today.

Albion should have added to their tally late on through Neal Maupay and Pascal Gross, both of whom went on as subs.

The hosts' finishing from closer range was not up to scratch.

But it was job done – thanks to Alzate’s back.