Albion's golden goal hero Steve Melton has his sights set on a trip to Cardiff after the frustration of missing out on a Wembley final.

Melton struck in the second minute of extra time at Withdean last night to give the makeshift Seagulls a 2-1 win against Wycombe in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Peter Taylor's team are through to Friday's draw in the last eight of the southern section and four games away from the final.

Melton was at Stoke two seasons ago when the competition was sponsored by Auto Windscreens, the trophy decider was staged at Wembley and the Potters beat Bristol City 2-1.

"I played in both legs of the semi-final, but I was on the bench for the final and didn't get on," Melton revealed.

"Hopefully the lads can keep progressing. I have been fortunate enough to get to the final and it's a good day out.

"It's a great chance for the fringe players to maybe go all the way if the team keeps on being successful and we aren't playing in League games."

Melton latched onto Lee Steele's pass to send the Seagulls through, moments after Michel Kuipers had made a spectacular save from a Dave Carroll shot.

"I was thinking third time lucky, get it in and let's go home," said Melton. "I had two chances before that and it is only my second goal for the club, but it was quite a valuable one.

"Michel deserves just as much credit, because that shot was flying in. It was a great save."

Geoff Pitcher gave Albion the lead with his first goal for the club, but Gavin Holligan latched on to a short backpass by Nathan Jones to level.

Pitcher, bought by Micky Adams from Kingstonian in the close season for £25,000, said: "It's always nice to get a taste of first team action. I am delighted to get on the scoresheet and to get my first goal was an added bonus."

Simon Morgan, who went off in Saturday's win over Colchester with concussion, was a spectator last night but should be fit for Saturday's visit to fourth-placed Bristol City.