Super Eagles central defender Leon Balogun wasn’t listed for action as Brighton and Hove Albion reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the second season in a row with a 2-1 win over Derby County.
First-half goals from Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia sent Chris Hughton’s side into the last eight in comfortable fashion against Frank Lampard’s men at the American Express Community Stadium.
Ashley Cole scored his first goal for the club to halve the deficit, but Derby failed to repeat the comeback from 2-0 down that they produced twice against Southampton in the third round.
Brighton dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead 33 minutes in, when Knockaert swept home Yves Bissouma’s cross for his second FA Cup goal of the season.
Balogun has been on the fringes of Brighton since his move to the club last summer, with the former Mainz, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Darmstadt star third in the pecking order behind Shane Duffy and Daniel Burn.
The 30-year-old defender has made 10 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this term. His eye catching performance against Manchester United
showed football fans his quality at the top level.
Nigerian born defender Fikayo Tomori was in action for Derby County in the game.
