The Mariners would have been well aware that this FA Cup tie represented a monumental task, but even the most pessimistic Grimsby fan would have been disappointed with the manner in which they conceded inside six minutes. Moisés Caicedo’s effort from the edge of the box was beaten away by Max Crocombe, yet Deniz Undav was the only player following in, leaving him with the simple task of side-footing in the opener.
With half an hour played, Robert Sánchez was the focus of a VAR check, but narrowly escaped punishment after collecting the ball on the edge of his area. Brighton should have capitalised on that fortunate decision moments later, however, a well-worked move ended with Kaoru Mitoma failing to direct a back-post pick-out into an empty net.
The Seagulls spurned several presentable chances at the end of the first period and continued in a similar vein after the restart when a deflected Solly March cross looped onto the upright, before bouncing into the path of Undav, who skied his effort.
For all Brighton’s profligacy, their class was evident, and Evan Ferguson encapsulated that perfectly with his close control and neat finish to double the hosts’ lead. A quickfire Ferguson double was denied by an offside in the build-up, but at this stage, Roberto De Zerbi’s side looked comfortable and assured.
With 20 minutes to play, Ferguson ended all hopes of a turnaround, driving into the box and firing in a well-earned third Brighton goal. Chances kept coming for the Seagulls, as March and Mitoma each got on the scoresheet to cap off a comfortable afternoon.
Victory books a spot at Wembley for Brighton, who as a stop-flight side, have now won 15 of their 17 FA Cup ties against lower league opposition.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion)
