Darren Moore hails young West Brom side after holding Brighton to FA Cup draw

The Baggies boss named seven academy graduates in his squad of 18, and started four of them - Kyle Edwards, Sam Field, Rekeem Harper, and Jonathan Leko.

And Albion's second string impressed at the Amex Stadium, forcing the Seagulls to a replay at The Hawthorns.

"I look at the performance with seven academy graduates involved in the squad," said Moore. "It was a huge performance from our young players, mature in stature.

"We've been working with them, even though you don't see them behind the scenes, they're learning and developing.

"Having the ability to man mark one v ones off the ball, try to expose an opponent in training.

"I've put them in league matches as well but this goes to show they're ability and how far they've come in the short space of time.

"Long may that continue, I'm not afraid to put the younger ones in, they're part of the group, it's really important they develop.

"While I was pleased with the work off the ball, I thought on the ball, some of the younger players displayed talent and ability against good opposition which caused them problems."

One of the most striking themes of the game, particularly in the second half, was Albion's composure playing the ball out from the back.

Earlier this season, the Baggies had looked nervous passing through the pitch, but their second string pulled it off against Brighton.

"It's something I believe in, sometimes you can't always do it, but it's the way I feel we should play the game," said Moore. "The pitch was right, the conditions were right.

"It's spotting and identifying the areas you can do it. The decision making of the players was good.

"Some of our decision to play through the pitch was good at times. It was brilliant for their development and learning."

Albion played three academy graduates in midfield, but their back four of Conor Townsend, Tosin Adarbioyo, Kyle Bartley and Tyrone Mears were all superb.

The man of the match, however, was goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who still hasn't conceded a goal in 180 minutes of football for Albion.

"Excellent for Bondy," said Moore. "Goalkeepers have to keep their level of performance up in training, so when the time comes they can step in like he has done.

"He's been safe and secure, his angles have been right, he's a calming influence on the team."

Albion are now expected to welcome Brighton back to The Hawthorns a week on Tuesday, unless the match is moved for television coverage.

The fourth round is the last round of the FA Cup where replays are in play, but Moore has no complaints.

"It's not a hindrance, there's huge admiration for the FA Cup at this club," he said. "We played the game in the right manner and tried to win the game.

"There were lots of aspects we can feel pleased and proud with. I thought that was an excellent performance, lots to learn from it."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton felt his side should have had a penalty when Jurgen Locadia was felled in the box, and was surprised it wasn't referred to VAR.

"From what I see I thought it was a penalty," said Hughton. "On a day where we were picked as a VAR game, we saw it on the side and even if the referee hasn't seen it, Locadia has gone down in the box. That should be picked up. It looks like a penalty.

"But I don't have too many complaints, West Brom earned a replay. We didn't do enough to win the game."