MK Dons Under 18s were unfortunate to be eliminated from the FA Youth Cup as Brighton edged a seven-goal thriller at Bognor Regis.

The young Dons gave themselves the perfect start when Stephane Koffi, just as Aaron Wilbraham did for the first team last night, struck in the very first minute of the game.

But the Seagulls came back strongly to hit back three times before half time, taking a 3-1 lead into the break.

Mike Dove's young team fought back bravely in the second half, pulling a goal back through midfielder David King to get themselves right back in the game.

But Dons goalkeeper Laurie Walker was sent off minutes later for bringing down a Brighton player in the area, the home side dispatching the penalty to rub salt into the wounds.

Rather than capitulate, Dove's spirited side fought back once more - pulling another goal back through Scotland Under 18 international Liam Kelly but an equaliser proved just beyond them.

Dons: Walker, Mitchell-Coop, Cryan, Williams, Thorne, Flanagan, King, Kelly, Koffi, Delderfield, Powell.

Subs: Farden, Chicksen, Bailey, Banton, Fox

Liam Kelly in action for the Dons Under 18s against Brighton.