Dean Cox returned to the fold to help lead holders Albion Reserves reach the Sussex Senior Cup final with a 2-0 win over Lewes on Wednesday night.

Midfielder Cox and Gary Hart netted the first-half goals that earned a strong Seagulls line-up a deserved victory.

They will face either Crawley or Eastbourne Borough in May's final.

Manager Ian Chapman said: "We looked like a professional football team and showed a good attitude.

"We're delighted to reach the final again. We want to win every match we play.

"We passed the ball well at times. It was a good team effort and I'm pleased with the boys."

The effervescent Cox had energy to burn after being left out of the 4-2 win over Gillingham on Tuesday for disciplinary reasons.

A few inappropriate words aimed at his team-mates after he was substituted in the 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient on Saturday had seen him axed from the squad.

But Cox kept his mouth shut and let his actions do the talking with a lively performance in the first half.

He buzzed up and down the left wing, cutting inside and confusing Lewes defenders with his movement.

And, for good measure, he put Albion in front.

Kerry Mayo, who came on as a late substitute for loan signing Ian Westlake against the Gills, saw his cross handled in the penalty area by Lewes captain Steve Robinson.

Cox coolly rolled the ball into the left-hand corner of Steve Williams' goal as the keeper went to the right.

The 14th minute conversion was the midfielder's sixth goal of the season and it brought a broad smile from him and the rest of the Seagulls' camp.

Blue Square south leaders Lewes were sloppy at the back with Jay Conroy suffering at the hands of the the inventive and tenacious Cox.

But Steve King's men managed to create a couple of half chances. Jean-Michel Sigere, their injury-time match winner against Thurrock on Saturday, forced John Sullivan to save a header that dipped at the keeper's feet.

Defender Ian Simpemba then had saw his header blocked while Gary Holloway drove a shot just over.

But it was Albion who were in the driving seat and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage on 21 minutes.

Hart, itching for a regular return to first-team action in his testimonial season, let fly with a long-range strike for his fifth goal of the season.

Cox could have scored again shortly before the interval but he curled a low right-footer just beyond Williams' left-hand post.

There were a few sparky clashes that provoked criticism of referee Ashley Slaughter.

Mayo collided with Rooks' Tom Davis and there were other incidents as well but the game soon settled down and Albion striker Jonny Dixon came close to extending his side's lead.

But Lewes kept themselves in the hunt. Midfielder Hamid Barr fizzed a low cross-shot just wide and in the 64th minute he had a golden opportunity to reduce the arrears.

Matty Groves was adjudged to have been felled in the penalty area by Hart but Barr's effort was saved to his left by Sullivan.

Albion maintained control with some sweet passing moves on a wonderful pitch for passing football.

And their mix of youth and experience served them well.

Joel Lynch formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence with the experienced Guy Butters while midfielders Doug Loft and Shane McFaul combined well with the hardworking Hart.

Afterwards, Lewes boss Steven King disputed the penalty awarded to Albion.

He said: "I felt it was ball to hand and not ball to hand. We gifted them both their goals but they showed us respect by fielding a strong team.

"Unfortunately, we've lost a few players as well as the match.

"Sigere and Lewis Hamilton sustained hamstring injuries and Jay Conroy picked up a groin problem."