Cambridge United reached the knockout stages of the Vertu Trophy as Adam Mayor's goal proved enough for victory over Brighton & Hove Albion's Under-21 side.

James Gibbons forced two early saves from Nile Ramming, but the U's did not have to wait long to make the breakthrough.

It arrived when Elias Kachunga turned his marker and fired over a cross which left Mayor with an easy tap-in for his third goal of the season.

Cambridge claimed a handball as Glenn McConnell played the ball in, but the referee waved away their appeals.

Brighton created few openings at the other end and there was a further boost for the home side after the break when Louis Appere took the field as a substitute, his first appearance since September after recovering from injury.

The second half was largely forgettable but Cambridge were able to run down the clock and secure the second qualifying spot from Southern Group H, Luton Town having already made sure of their place in the last 32.