Brighton booked their place in the Southern semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with victory over Cheltenham.

Cheltenham beaten at Withdean

Brighton booked their place in the Southern semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 4-1 victory over Cheltenham. David Martot fired Brighton into the lead after just 13 minutes, when the Cheltenham defence allowed him too much space and time on the edge of the box after Dean Cox's corner and he stroked home. Nicky Forster doubled the advantage for Dean Wilkins' side in the 37th minute as he headed in Martot's cross. But Cheltenham gave themselves a crucial lifeline before the break as Paul Connor converted Damian Spencer's pass three minutes into added time. The Seagulls dominated immediately after the break at the Withdean Stadium but were unable to convert a number of chances and were always vulnerable with just a one-goal lead. And they were almost made to pay as Connor saw his initial shot blocked by Michel Kuipers before he struck the woodwork with his follow-up. With Cheltenham continuing to push forward, Brighton put the result beyond doubt when Forster grabbed his second of the game three minutes from time and then set up Bas Savage to complete the scoring.