FA Cup: Impressive youngsters not enough to see off Dragons

As the senior members of the squad were rested for Albion's Third Round FA Cup tie against Wrexham FC, their replacements didn't quite have the finishing touch to see of their non-league counterparts as the game drew to an exciting 1-1 draw.

Both teams went into the fixture with reasons to be confident. After Monday's 3-0 victory over table-toppers Southampton, Brighton were confident they could carry this form into  this FA Cup tie, whereas Wrexham were boasting a 15-game unbeaten streak in the league, and were high on confidence from the start as it was obvious that they had nothing to lose.

Poyet made 6 changes to the Albion side which saw off the Championship's leaders on Monday, electing to preserve his senior players for what he believes to be the far more important league campaign. Some changes were forced however, due to Gordon Greer starting his 3-game suspension, and assistant manager Mauricio Tarrico picking up a hamstring injury against Southampton.

There were debuts for Development squad stars Grant Hall and Ben Sampayo, whilst Ashley Barnes and Romain Vncelot were available for selection again after completing their 3-match bans. The selection dilemma for Wrexham player/boss Andy Morrell was somewhat easier though, as only one forced change had to be made, bringing himself into the starting line-up in place of crocked striker Mathias Pogba.

As expected, the Albion had the best of the early exchanges, with Kazenga LuaLua tormenting Wrexham full-back Curtis Obeng with his quick turn of pace. LuaLua regularly broke down the wing fizzing in low crosses, however no Albion players were there to meet the ball to produce a finish.

Inigo Calderon, who was still struggling for fitness despite his inclusion in the starting line-up, had a tough afternoon lined up trying to deal with the pace and trickery of Jake Speight, who regularly troubled the Spaniard, however he was lacking in a final product which painted the picture for the goalless first half.

Albion's best chance of the half game from 17-year old Jake Forster-Caskey, who was playing in his second full game for the senior team. A mazy run in the middle of the park incurred the chorus of "shoot" chants from the crowd. He tried his luck from 25-yards, only to be foiled by Dragons keeper Joslain Mayebi.

Wrexham midfielder Jamie Tolley had Albion 'keeper Peter Brezovan scampering to his bottom right-hand corner and a powerful free-kick dipped at the right time and was heading goal-wards, however the Slovak was equal to it. Perhaps the most entertaining moment of the first-half were the choruses of, "Seagulls, Seagulls" as our white-feathered friends entered the on numerous occasions.

The 19,000 paying customers didn't have to wait long for goals however, as the it only took 3 minutes for Albion to open their FA Cup account for this season, after yet more dazzling wing play from LuaLua produced another low cross, which this time was turned in by an advancing Jake Forster-Caskey, his second goal in two games.

Worry set into the Albion faithful as moments later LuaLua slumped to the floor after another impressive run, what seemed to be another hamstring problem for the team, and turned out to be his last act of the match. He was replaced by Torbjorn Agdestein, giving the Norwegian teenager his first senior start.

Albion's development squad players were confident in helping out the senior players remaining in the squad to see out the game and book their place in the Fourth Round, however FA Cup ties are never easy for the Albion, and just after the hour things became a lot more difficult.

After some patient build-up player, Polish under-19 international Adrian Cieselwicz skipped past the Albion defence and after a hefty deflection from Grant Hall, Brezovan was wrong-footed as the ball sailed over his head and into the back of the net, sending the Wrexham fans into raptures.

Bouncing after their equaliser, and no doubt the alcohol consumed in the concourses, led to the near 2,100 Wrexham fans drowning out the Albion faithful, as they needed the final push to get over the line. The introduction of Development Squad centre midfielders Anton Rodgers and Yaser Kasim seemed to spark a revival as Rodgers looping volley nearly had Mayebi beaten, however the Wrexham stopper was saved by the top of the crossbar.

Despite Albion's best efforts, their mix of senior and development squad players were unable to carve out a second goal, so their mindset switched to seeing out the game and getting the replay. However with the Wrexham team hot on their heels, they know it would be no easy task. A late free-kick nearly spelt disaster for the Albion as the ball spilled out to Tolley who unleashed a spectacular drive, however Brezovan put his full body behind the ball and confidently palmed it to safety.

The referee blew his whistle to signal the end of play and it was obvious that the Wrexham fans were of course the happier set of supporters, however Albion's young guns definitely shone through as the best performers on the pitch, however Wrexham's squad definitely deserves praise after their brilliant show of character to confidently draw with a side two leagues above them.

The Albion will now travel to The Racecourse Ground for the replay, but not before they find out who their potential Fourth Round opponents will be, with the draw being made tomorrow, and Albion will be ball number 13.

Brighton: Brezovan; Calderon, Vincelot, Hall, Sampayo; Navarro (Kasim 63), Sparrow, Forster-Caskey; Buckley (Rodgers 63), Barnes, LuaLua (Agdestein 53). Subs not used: Ankergren (GK), Bridcutt, Mackail-Smith, Bergkamp.

Wrexham: Mayebi; Obeng, Creighton, Knight-Percival, Ashton; Speight, Tolley, Harris, Clarke (Keates 78), Cieslewicz (Hunt 87); Morrell (Little 78). Subs not used: Maxwell (GK), Clowes, Anoruo.

Goalscorers:
Brighton: Forster-Caskey [48']
Wrexham: Cieselwicz [62']

Referee: Darren Deadman
Match Attendance: 18,573 (2,029 Wrexham)