The Albion youngsters took the lead after just nine minutes, as Bojan Radulovic bundled home from a testing corner. Their lead was doubled inside twenty minutes, as Ben Wilson applied the finishing touch to a deadly counter attack. Albion were enjoying long spells of possession, keeping the ball beautifully, and almost had a third on the half-hour mark but for a tremendous goal line clearance from Charlie Bennett. In the 32nd minute, Jordi Ndozid halved the deficit with a superb individual effort – marking his first goal in a Hillians shirt. The half came to a close with Max Miller and Ndozid both forcing good saves out of Hugo Keto in the Albion goal.

The visitors’ two-goal advantage with restored in the 47th minute, as half-time substitute, Ivan Tolaj, slotted past Josh James. Ten minutes later, Albion made it four, as Radulovic grabbed his second of the evening as the Premier League youngsters began to really show their class. James, then, produced a fine save to deny Radulovic his hat-trick, as the visitors continued to press. The Hillians grabbed a goal back through Andrew Briggs, with a beautifully placed finish, but it was the Albion who progressed into the Sussex Senior Cup Quarter-Finals.

A spirited performance from Jay Lovett’s men, but all credit to Brighton who proved they were a cut above.

A massive thank you to every single one of you Hillians who turned out to support the club on a brisk January evening!

Next up, can we rise against the Phoenix?