Late Naylor strike helps City EDS dramatically beat Brighton | OneFootball

Seb Naylor scored in second-half added time to help City's Elite Development Squad dramatically beat Brighton 2-1 at the Joie Stadium.

Farid Alfa-Ruprecht began the new year strong, putting City ahead inside 15 minutes in the Premier League 2 encounter with a deflected shot.

However, Cam Peupion equalised for the visitors moments into the second half.

The remainder of the match was enthralling with exciting end-to-end football resulting in a series of late twists.

Firstly, Jaden Heskey sent down the tunnel after a second bookable offence in added time.

But the story didn't end there after Naylor's right-footed shot deflected in with Hugo Fisher diving the wrong way.

Then as City looked to wind the clock down in the final seconds, Jacob Wright was also shown a second yellow card as Ben Wilkinson's side were reduced to nine.

But City held strong to pick up an 11th successive Premier League 2 win to extend our lead at the top of the table.

WHAT HAPPENED

Back at the Joie Stadium for the first time in 2025, the chilly air meant the home fans were wrapped up warm and waited with anticipation to see the league leaders back in action.

A tough test stood in City’s way as we looked to extend our unbeaten run to 10 straight matches. The Seagulls, heading into the fixture, were third, four points behind Wilkinson’s side.

Our boys in blue had to be patient in the opening 10 minutes with Brighton proving organised and keen to press when City tried to play out from the back.

But a quick bit of movement through the middle, and a fortunate deflection, saw us take the lead on 14 minutes.

Alfa-Ruprecht received the ball out on the right and began striding goal bound.

The German then cut inside and unleashed a left-footed effort which saw the ball float into the far-left corner via a deflection.

In a quick retaliation, Caylan Vickers was played down the left and his dummy cross left Jaden Heskey’s attempted block nullified.

But the cross, when the Brighton forward did curl it in towards the back post, had too much power on it as Harry Howell’s nodded effort flew high over Oliver Whatmuff’s goal.

A spark of hope for Brighton came in the form of Marcus Ifill who saw his daring, strong, solo run across a third of the pitch give him space to shoot as he entered the City box.

The striker’s shot rolled wide of the right post, a welcomed sight for Wilkinson’s side who weathered a 20-minute Brighton storm up until the half-time whistle.

Brighton burst out the gate as the second half began. Build-up play on the Seagull’s left-hand side allowed Howell space to float the ball into the City box - Cam Peupion then rose highest and quickest to head home on 47 minutes.

As the Seagulls continued to use the momentum in their favour, Stephen Mfuni was called into action after the opponent’s corner required a goal-line clearance.

After a brief pause in play which saw Alfa-Ruprecht replaced by 16-year-old Ryan McAidoo for his Premier League 2 debut, City benefitted from the halt to Brighton’s attacks.

A high press from Justin Oboavwoduo and Will Dickson saw City regain possession on the edge of the opposition’s box before the latter lid the ball to his colleague who fired his shot inches wide.

With the game end-to-end, the Seagulls then thought they took the lead but one of their players was deemed offside in the build-up near the hour mark.

A fantastic line-breaking ball by Lakyle Samuel to Heskey on 68 minutes saw Brighton scramble to get numbers back. The midfielder was unselfish and played the ball across the box to Lawrence who took a touch and tried to curl his effort into the bottom right corner.

Frustratingly, his strike was blocked as City continued to fight to regain the lead.

Mfuni was once again our saviour, this time the defender’s heels blocked Howell’s close-range effort after a quick run in behind by Peupion. A similar block was made by Max Alleyne as we entered the final 15 minutes.

The closing stages continued to be played in a breathless fashion as the end-to-end football continued but it was Brighton who had the better chances.

The Blues were then forced to hold out with 10 players after a second bookable offence for Heskey saw him dismissed in added time.

There was to be a further twist, though, as the encounter entered seven minutes of additional time at the end of the second half.

Naylor received the ball on the left with 90 seconds or so left to play. He cut in, on to his less favoured right foot, and tried his luck.

And luck was definitely on his side as his effort deflected into the net to put Wilkinson's side ahead once again.

Our defensive credentials were tested further shortly after regaining the lead as Wright was given his marching orders after collecting a second yellow card, but City held on for a vital 2-1 triumph.

HOW WE LINED UP

In goal, Oliver Whatmuff returned from a minor spell on the sideline. He was protected by a back four of Lakyle Samuel, Max Alleyne, Stephen Mfuni and Seb Naylor.

In midfield, captain Jacob Wright, Jaden Heskey and Michael Okeke were tasked with orchestrating play.

Will Dickson led City’s front line with Emilio Lawrence and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht providing an attacking edge out wide.

CITY XI | Whatmuff, Samuel, Alleyne, Mfuni, Naylor, Wright, Alfa-Ruprecht (McAidoo 61’), Heskey, Dickson (Gray 88’), Okeke (Oboavwoduo 53’), Lawrence.

SUBS | Brits, Henderson-Hall.

BRIGHTON XI | Fisher, Albarus, Slater, Simmonds, Penman (Mackley 70’), Knight, Howell, Mullins (Robertson 84’), Ifill (Moulton 84’), Vickers, Peupion.

SUBS | Hall, Bashir.

WHAT IT MEANS

After second-placed Fulham dropped points in their 11th match of the season, City extended our lead at the top of the Premier League 2 standings to three points with the dramatic triumph.

UP NEXT

It’s a quick turnaround for Wilkinson and his squad.

We welcome Stoke City to the Joie Stadium for another night under the lights on Friday 17 January.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 (UK) and the game is available to watch live on CITY+.