A lorry shedding its load of vegetables on the M6 had caused travel chaos around Stoke, making it perfect conditions for seagulls. But those travelling from Brighton were almost the victims of a scavenger hunt, as the hosts fed off scraps to push their Premier League opponents all the way until the visitors’ quality shone through to earn a place in the next round.
João Pedro scored twice to remind everyone why he was deemed too good for the Championship, taking his Brighton tally to 15. He was clinical to convert fine crosses from teammates in front of a less than half full bet365 Stadium as the magic of the FA Cup was absent in the Potteries, even though semi-finalists from last season were in town.
