Derby’s Carling Cup campaign has gone from strength to strength after a delayed schedule the other month so the long awaited journey to Brighton certainly had high expectations.

After 28 minutes, Emmanuel Villa commenced his show-stopping performance with the opening goal after John Sullivan struggled to hold Przemyslaw Kazmierczak‘s cross.

Nathan Ellington followed up with another after 6 minutes, connecting with Dean Leacock‘s cross.

Brighton restored some confidence before the break though when Tommy Elphick headed in a consolation goal taking the half-time score to 1-2.

Brighton showed a lot of confidence throughout the second half but struggled to find an equaliser.

Instead, man of the match Emmanuel Villa took Derby 3-1 up in the 73rd minute before sealing the deal 3 minutes from time with a tidy little 6-yarder.

Derby will now host the 4th round tie against Leeds on Tuesday 11th November at Pride Park, intending on progressing to the 5th round for the first time in decades.

The long-awaited clash between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City was finally played – and what a game it was too.

Brighton went ahead just after the hour when Gelson Fernandes knocked in the first goal, giving Brighton the advantage for the rest of the game.

It was only in the 89th minute when Glenn Murray levelled for the travelling side before Brighton managed to knock in another goal in extra time thanks to Joe Anyinsah‘s late effort.

Amazingly, City’s Stephen Ireland squeezed in an equaliser before the whistle taking the game to penalties.

But it was the Seagulls who held their nerve, taking the win and a ticket to the third round clash against the Rams down at the Withdean Stadium.

Derby will travel to Brighton on Tuesday 4th November 2008 in vain hope of continuing their successful run in the Carling Cup.