Monotonous win despite fireworks above

The U's made 10 changes from the side that beat Chester in the FA Cup. A changed but still strong side for the U's as Brighton and Hove Albion U-21's put out a strong, aggressive and hungry side.

The U's looked to dominate from the off. Gibbons' edge of the box effort was magnificently saved by the young seagull in between the sticks. The U's looked to continue to apply pressure with multiple brilliant crosses from Brazilian born McConnell. Bradshaw played a firm pass into Kachunga on the left side of the pitch which the experienced attacker let roll passed him and found acres of grass ahead of him. He kept his composure and whipped the cross to an unmarked Mayor who calmly taps it home.

You young seagulls struggled to get into the game. They were being pressed by Knight and Kachunga from goal kicks, allowed no time on the ball and man marked everywhere on the pitch. Defensively, the U's were very solid and controlled in their methods.

Mpanzu and Hoddle both started the game superbly. They both broke up play brilliantly and distributed the ball wide at every available opportunity. An experienced veteran of the football leagues is just what Hoddle needs to be around.

It took about 20 minutes for the junior seagulls to get a hold in the game but when they did they were very good. With a 29 year old at centre back they were able to say composed and try to break down the U's mid block.

The U's fought back and took control of the game after soaking up pressure for 15 minutes. Harris' side looked to close the game strong as Kachunga's Joe Ironside vs Newcastle impression was blocked immediately by the 29 year old veteran centre back.

All 559 fans in attendance will be pleased with the first 46 minutes of football from the U's. They delivered good, enticing crosses into the box and all that could be asked of the U's is they take the few half chances they have had.

The second half was scrappier and a rather untidy affair from both sides. Another well worked move down the left hand side saw McConnell drive at the Brighton back line before shifting the ball out to Knight who's shot was just shy of finding the far corner. The U's dropped the intensity off the ball and sat in a lower block and Brighton didn't have an answer in the early stages of the 2nd half.

A triple substitution from Harris in the 67th minute saw Mpanzu, Rossi (due to injury) and Mayor come off for Kaikai, Brophy and Watts. Appere returns to the Abbey after missing several weeks due to injury. A great sign for all United fans in attendance, watching the fireworks or at home relaxing.

The U's saw out the game in the second half. Brighton never took control of the ball in the final third and United were simply shuffling from side to side throughout the 52 minutes of football in the 2nd half. The 7 minutes of added time seemed a bit excessive but multiple injures and substitutions saw the 4th official raise the board indicating 7 minutes.

The U's finished the game 1-0 victors are have now booked their way into the round of 32.