Brighton 2-1 Rushden

Zamora scores to enter Brighton history

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Bobby Zamora wrote his name into the Brighton history books to put Peter Taylor's side into the FA Cup third round with victory against Rushden.

The £2m-rated striker - wanted by Premiership Everton - got Brighton off to a flying start at The Withdean Stadium with an early goal.

It was Zamora's 18th goal of the season, and the ninth successive game he has been on target, making him the first Brighton player to achieve this feat.

Danny Cullip added a second after the interval to give Brighton breathing space, but they were forced to survive an anxious finish after Ritchie Hanlon's penalty put Rushden back in contention.

Zamora has been making headlines all season, and he was on the mark after only five minutes, taking advantage of confusion in the Rushden rearguard and a fumble by goalkeeper Billy Turley to head home from close range.

Lowe and Morgan battle it out

The 20-year-old was Brighton's main threat, and defender Barry Hunter was booked for needlessly hauling him down.

Rushden boss Brian Talbot made a half-time switch, sending on Andy Burgess for Jon Brady.

Jamaican international striker Onandi Lowe had been kept at arm's length by Brighton, until a flash of pace and power almost brought Rushden level two minutes after half time.

Lowe - on loan from American side Kansas City Wizards - raced away from the Brighton defence, but goalkeeper Michels Kuipers saved well.

Brighton took advantage of the escape to extend their lead, Cullip cutting in from the right before curling a delightful left foot finish past Turley.

But Brighton were soon dragged out of the comfort zone after referee Steve Bennett awarded a controversial penalty when Cullip tangled with Lowe.

Brighton's protests were waved away and Hanlon scored from the spot, despite Kuipers getting a touch.

Rushden pushed forward and had another penalty claim rejected in injury time when they appealed for handball against Oatway.

But Brighton survived to join the Premiership elite in the FA Cup.

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Brighton: Kuipers, Watson, Mayo, Cullip, Morgan, Jones, Carpenter, Oatway, Brooker, Hart, Zamora. Subs: Pitcher, Rogers, Steele, Virgo, Pethick.

Rushden & Diamonds: Turley, Sambrook, Underwood, Peters, Hunter, Butterworth, Hanlon, Hall, Brady, Partridge, Lowe. Subs: Burgess, Rodwell, Pennock, Setchell, Thomson.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).