Brighton held off a late fightback from Derby to win 2-1 and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the second year in a row
Despite making eight changes, Brighton controlled the first half and scored through Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia
Derby eventually responded in the 81st minute when seven-time FA Cup winner Ashley Cole scored his first goal in English football since 2012
However, Brighton withstood a spell of pressure to reach the last eight
The win comes as welcome relief for Brighton, who are battling relegation from the Premier League after just one victory in their last 11 matches
Chris Hughton's team selection suggested Premier League survival was the priority, but Brighton were still much the better side in the first half as Kelle Roos kept out shots from Knockaert and Yves Bissouma
The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Knockaert ran onto Bissouma's low cross and produced a composed finish into the corner
Derby finally created an opening in first-half injury-time when Martyn Waghorn shot at David Button from a tight angle, but Brighton replied with a second goal before the break
Bissouma dragged the ball through Tom Huddlestone's legs and then curled a shot against the far post, with Locadia reacting quickest to tap into the net
Derby brought on Cole and Jack Marriott at half-time but even though they improved, they created little
In fact, Roos kept Derby in the tie by tipping a shot from Knockaert past the post and then making a sharp save to deny Bernardo from 10 yards out
Cole gave the visitors hope when he scored his first FA Cup goal in the 81st minute, heading into the net from Dan Burn's clearance
But Derby could not force extra-time as Harry Wilson sliced a volley wide and Fikayo Tomori missed the target with a bicycle kick from the penalty spot
The midfielder produced an assured display and set up both goals for Brighton - the second after a lovely bit of skill to turn away from Huddlestone
 He was strong in the middle of the pitch and drove forward with the ball
On this evidence he should be staking a claim for a regular starting spot
 "I am hoping the momentum of this cup run can push us on in our league form
 We haven't been that bad in terms of level of performance but the last three games we picked up one point
 The most important thing at the moment is getting the points we need
" "In the first half we were slow, with a lack of urgency
 To come to a Premier League team and give them time on the ball is the cardinal sin, you are waiting for them to score
 After the first 15 minutes we weren't at the races
 Whether it's fear or too much respect, whatever it is, it's not enough to come here and get a result
"Brighton travel to Leicester in the Premier League on Tuesday, February 26 and then host Huddersfield on Saturday, March 2
Derby play Millwall in the Championship on Wednesday, live on the red button on, and then face Nottingham Forest, live on , on Monday, February 25
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