Brighton got back to winning ways in incredible fashion after beating Norwich 4-0 to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Seagulls had failed to win any of their previous eight games, six of which had ended in draws, but it was a different story at Carrow Road as they racked up goals against the Championship hosts.
Two goals late in the first half from Georginio Rutter set the Premier League side on course for a comfortable win before Julio Enciso and substitute Solly March struck after the break to underline the gap between the two sides
Norwich made a decent start and almost took the lead after 15 minutes when Amankwah Forson, goalscorer in last week’s dramatic win over Coventry, hit the upright from 25 yards.
But the Premier League visitors gradually took control and Rutter had two goal-bound efforts blocked before finally putting his side in front eight minutes before the break.
With the striker lurking at the back post, fellow Dutchman Joel Veltman delivered a centimeter-perfect cross from the right which he headed powerfully past George Long from close range.
Rutter doubled his and Brighton’s tally in the final minute of the opener, with a little help from home defender Callum Doyle.
Yankuba Minteh created the chance with a quick run through the center and an accurate pass, and although Rutter’s shot appeared to be on target, it took a great save from Doyle to beat the ‘keeper.
Brighton scored the crucial third goal of the game just before the hour mark and took complete control.
A slip by half-time substitute Brad Hills allowed Encis to gain possession and race into space before beating Longo from a tight angle and the ball went wide of the far post.
March then created a moment of magic to make it 4-0 in the 74th minute, knocking the ball home in spectacular style after second substitute Brajan Gruda won it from the right.
Replays suggested March may have scored from behind, but without VAR, the goal stood.
With the game long lost, the Canaries brought key forward Josh Sargent back onto the field in the closing stages after a long injury lay-off – but that was their only bright spot on a gloomy afternoon.
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