Southampton progressed to the third round of the Carabao Cup thanks to a late Charlie Austin header.
Saints boss Mark Hughes rung the changes for the tie at the Amex with just Mohamed Elyounoussi holding his starting position from the weekend defeat against Leicester City.
Summer signing Angus Gunn was given his first start of the season following his move from Manchester City.
The visitors were dominant in the game for large part and saw the ball cleared off the line on three different occasions, including when Austin was denied after smart work from sub Sam Gallagher, who caused the Brighton keeper David Button to make a mistake.
With the match destined for penalties, second half sub Nathan Redmond crossed for Austin to power home a strong header to send Saints into the hat for the 3rd round.
The away side saw the game through and will now eagerly await tomorrow evening’s draw when the European qualified sides enter the competition.
Here are our Southampton player ratings from the victory.
Angus Gunn - 7
Looked composed on his debut for the club, and made some strong saves when he was called upon.
Jack Stephens - 6
Performed well in an unfamiliar role for the young defender, looking a threat down the right flank.
Jan Bednarek - 8
Given a rare start to impress under Hughes and he looked very comfortable on the ball and will be in the gaffer’s mind ahead of the trip to Palace.
Maya Yoshida - 8
Led the backline very well in his first start of the season looking very comfortable in possession while also making a number of key blocks and interceptions.
Matt Targett - 7
Targett played well throughout the match getting down the wing well and linking up with Stuart Armstrong excellently on the left side.
Oriol Romeu - 8
Back in the side and back on top of his game. A faultless performance from the Spanish midfielder.
James Ward-Prowse - 7
A competent performance from the midfielder, whose set-pieces caused the hosts problems throughout.
Steven Davis - 6
Returned to captain the side, but in truth he looked very rusty and could do with some more minutes to get back up to full speed.
Mohamed Elyounoussi - 7
A strong showing from the summer signing causing the Brighton defence all sorts of problems with a really direct performance on the right hand side. Promising signs for the new number 11.
Stuart Armstrong - 8
Looked strong in possession and gave Brighton plenty to think about while also looking dangerous on the counter attack.
Manolo Gabbiadini - 6
Struggled in truth, didn’t receive much service while he was on the pitch, but was working hard throughout in a good shift from the Italian.
Substitutes
Sam Gallagher – 7: Looked positive when he was introduced, causing havoc in the Brighton backline. Playing himself into Hughes’ plans moving forward.
Charlie Austin – 8: Looked a real threat when he came on and should have had at least two goals after netting the winner in the tie.
Nathan Redmond – 7: Set up the winner with some great play on the wing, caused the tiring hosts’ defence all sorts of problems with great movement and runs.