Brighton edged through a tough Carling Cup First Round game against Gillingham to make it into the second round draw.
The game at The AMEX was the first ever floodlit game at Brighton’s plush new home, and it attracted a crowd of over 16,000.
Championship Brighton took on League Two Gillingham, with Gus making three changes from the team that beat Doncaster Rovers at the weekend.
Vincelot, Buckley and Noone replaced Sparrow, LuaLua and MacKail-Smith as Poyet kept his promise of fielding a strong team in the cup competitions.
The game took a while to get going, with neither team creating too much in the opening exchanges.
Gary Dicker gave the ball away presenting Gillingham with the first real chance of the game, but thankfully captain Gordon Greer was on the goal line to clear Kedwell’s shot off the line after he took the ball around Ankergren.
Ashley Barnes had Albion’s best chance, but he sent his shot wide after creating some space for himself on the edge of the box.
Brighton’s best chances came on the counter attack with £1million man, Will Buckley looking particularly dangerous with the ball at his feet. Brighton kept the ball well but the crispness of their passing wasn`t quite there.
Things opened up in the second half, with Buckley again looking very impressive.
It was his run that won Brighton a penalty, which looked a bit harsh on Gillingham. Ashley Barnes stepped up to send the Gills keeper the wrong way and put Brighton into a 1-0 lead.
After that Brighton looked a bit more at ease, with Noone making more of an impact with his dribbling. He lacked an end product but did test the keeper with a low drive.
The second half ended with a few meaty challenges, the worst being Payne sliding in from behind on the impressive Romain Vincelot.
It sparked a 15 man square up, which included Brighton bus Gus Poyet running on to the pitch. Maybe not the best idea after being sent off at the weekend.
Brighton held on for the win, and enter Thursday’s draw alongside The Premier League teams who are not playing in Europe.
Player Ratings
Casper Ankergren
6
Inigo Calderon
7
Gordon Greer
6
Lewis Dunk
7
Marcos Painter
7
Liam Bridcutt
6
Romain Vincelot
7
Gary Dicker
6
Will Buckley
8
Craig Noone
7
Ashley Barnes
7
