Marginson: We made them work for it

Proud FC United boss Karl Marginson insisted Brighton's comfortable 4-0 FA Cup second round replay victory flattered the League One leaders.

The Red Rebels' superb run came to an end as first-half goals from Fran Sandaza and Inigo Calderon put the Seagulls in control, and once Jake Cotterill slammed a penalty against the post in the 68th minute, the tie was as good as over. Elliott Bennett and Matthew Sparrow sealed the win in the final four minutes.

"I don't feel that it was a four nil-er. They deserved their victory but we made them work for it," said Marginson.

"We didn't lie down and die, we kept at them, we kept the pressure on and gave a good account of ourselves and hopefully it stands us in good stead for the rest of the season.

"But if you look at their position, they are not actually a League One team, they are a Championship team.

"We were pushing forward when they scored the late goals - we had gone to three at the back and three up top. The goals were basically long balls and we were stretched. Take nothing away from them, they deserved their win."

Brighton boss Gus Poyet said: "I think that we totally controlled the game. We created plenty of chances and took them and that's what we needed to do in the first game.

"It was a matter of making sure we didn't make the same mistakes that we made at home when we played last time, and we played very well and were professional.

"Now we have a great game at home against Portsmouth to look forward to, it's going to be a totally different type of game to this one. Their players were in the Premiership last year. They are quick, they are strong and I'm looking forward to that challenge.

"t's going to be difficult and we're going to see where we are in terms of quality, but it's a good test for us.''