Brighton beat Crawley to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup but lost £25m signing Matt O’Riley to injury nine minutes into his debut.
Simon Adingra scored in the first half before Jeremy Sarmiento and Mark O’Mahony scored their first Brighton goals either side of Adam Webster’s header in the second as the Seagulls brushed aside their League One opponents
It continued their 100% start under manager Fabian Hurzeler but the night was soured early on when O’Riley, who only joined from Celtic 24 hours earlier, was caught on the left ankle by a late, crunching tackle by Jay Williams in the sixth minute.
After lengthy treatment, the midfielder had to be helped by two physios as he limped from the field.
Williams, who was not booked for that challenge but was for another later, was booed throughout the first half and again when he was substituted in the second half.
O’Riley was handed his debut as one of 11 changes as Hurzeler changed his entire XI from Saturday’s late win against Manchester United.
The Seagulls spent much of the first half on the back foot with Ronan Darcy netting for Crawley only to be flagged off side. The visitors created further chances, the best falling to Josh Flint when he drove in behind from defence.
The centre-back’s effort was saved, however, and moments later Adingra met Carlos Baleba’s through ball as he ran in off the left before finishing for his second goal of the season.
Ecuador winger Sarmiento then effectively settled the tie three minutes into the second half by firing high into the net for his first Brighton goal after Julio Enciso’s clever turn and driving run.
Crawley created further chances after falling behind but failed to capitalise on clear openings.
With six minutes to play Webster headed in from a corner to seal the win and 19-year-old Republic of Ireland Under-21 international O’Mahony swept in the fourth after winning the ball high up the field.
Crawley’s tough night was complete when substitute Jack Roles was sent off for a challenge on Yasin Ayari.
Before kick-off, Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu was introduced to the home crowd having signed in a £25m deal from Fenerbahce.
Reaction to Tuesday’s EFL Cup fixtures
