Graham Pruce celebrated his first appearance for four months with the winning goal as Brighton beat Chichester 1-0 in the Sussex Cup Final at Bognor.

Pruce, sidelined since Christmas by an injury sustained at work, struck midway through the second half as Brighton retained the trophy they won last year.

If anyone thought last year's success was a one-off, then think again. For a second year running, Brighton more than matched a team currently playing two divisions above them.

Delighted Brighton skipper Carlo Missirian said: "It was a tough game. There were not a lot of chances but I think we had a few better chances than they did.

"Both keepers played well and at half time we said whoever scored first would win it. What they didn't do was get one clear shot in the D, which we are very proud of. We limited them to short corners."

Missirian added: "It is down to hard work and it is down to our coach Bram (van Asselt). It is his commitment and our commitment to his training.

"For us to beat Chichester twice shows how difficult our league is. There are a lot of clubs in our league that would hold their own in the Premier. It is just getting up there but that is where we want to be."

Pruce said: "Two years on the trot is brilliant for us. I haven't played since Christmas so it is nice to come back and score the goal. But it doesn't matter who scored as long as we won."

While defender Don Turnbull collected the man-of-the-match award, Missirian singled out goalkeeper Pete Ashdown for special praise.

Ashdown said: "I can't say enough about our defence. They have been fantastic all season and this is just the icing on the cake."

Chichester goalkeeper Steve Jones also stood out, including a first half save from Missirian's penalty flick.

There was little between the teams and the only goal came on 53 minutes when Missirian's mishit from a short corner was deflected into the path of Pruce to tap home.

Jones made a number of other good saves as Brighton had the better of the second half.

Victory was particularly harsh on Chi's Clive Dunn who finished on the losing side in a cup final for the sixth time in as many appearances.

Brighton coach Bram van Asselt said: "It was a very tough game but I thought their keeper played very well. Last year it could have been lucky but this year they have proved they are a good side. They all played well and they wanted it a little more than Chichester."

Brighton: Ashdown, Baker, Williams, Turnbull, Smales, Missirian B-J. Toohey, T-A. Toohey, Pruce, Edmonds, Watson. Subs: Love, Hacking, Stubbs, Page.

Chichester: Jones, Pywell, Brown, Dougall, Jaegar, Pendle, Streames, Dunn, Ranger, Rouse, S. Beer. Subs: Jennings, Turner, Beales, A. Beer, Mallet.