Brighton were knocked out of the FA Cup in cruel fashion as they lost to Nottingham Forest on penalties after the scores finished 0-0 after extra-time.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero for the Forest as he saved penalties from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez.
The first half was a cagey affair with plenty of tension but little in the way of quality action. Forest were just about the better team and Bart Verbruggen was forced into action to deny Taiwo Awoniyi with his feet.
Brighton’s best moments came when Pervis Estupinan forced an uncomfortable save from Sels, while Carlos Baleba was just off target with a left-footed screamer from the edge of the box.
Georginio turned sharply and flashed one over the bar just after the interval and there was controversy on 65 minutes when Kaoru Mitoma went to ground to challenge Elliott Anderson.
Referee Peter banks awarded a penalty but changed his mind after VAR intervention. A let off for Brighton. The teams could not be separated and extra-time was required. Brighton’s best moment in extra time saw Diego Gomez power a header towards the top corner which which brilliantly saved by Sels.
Joao Pedro had an effort on 118 minutes ruled out as Pervis Estupinan had strayed offside in build up. Sels then broke Albion hearts in the shootout. Here’s how they rated...
5. Pervis Estupinan 7
Tried his luck from distance and forced an uncomfortable looking save from Sels. Booked in the second half for a foul on Domínguez. An all action display and pretty good considering he was playing for Ecuador on Wednesday Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Carlos Baleba 6
Fired a screamer just wide before the break. Inches away. A mixed bag from the Cameroon international, but improved as the match went on. Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Yasin Ayari 6
Fired wide from the edge of the box on 27 minutes. Plenty of work alongside Baleba and replaced by Gomez on 80 minutes. Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Yankuba Minteh 7
Caused problems with his pace on the right flank and kept probing until the end. Photo: Mike Hewitt