League One Charlton stunned top-flight Brighton on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Charlton’s win sees them become the only non-Premier League side to reach the last eight.

“It’s a special night, a special performance,” said Charlton caretaker boss Anthony Hayes.

The Seagulls were dominant with 18 shots across the game but unable to convert their chances.

The shootout itself was a nervy affair with six of the opening nine kicks missed, but Charlton prevailed 4-3, with Sam Lavelle sparking celebrations among the jubilant home fans as he sealed victory with the 14th attempt.

Hayes, who was taking charge of his final game before incoming manager Dean Holden takes over on Boxing Day, added: “The least the players deserved was a penalty shoot-out over the course of the game.

“The shoot-out for me was a bonus. You flip a coin really and [goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer] was fantastic.

“It was a special night. It gives everyone a lift, it’s one the players, the fans and the staff won’t forget.”

It had been a first half which which felt much like a pre-season friendly for Brighton, currently seventh in the Premier League, as they struggled to click in front of goal.

Tariq Lamptey and Solly March helped create numerous chances that were wasted.

Charlton have struggled this season and are just four points clear of the League One relegation places.

But Dean Holden’s side showed their spirit and Steven Sessegnon forced a last-ditch block from Lewis Dunk to deny them a certain goal at the latter end of the opening half.

Brighton will feel aggrieved by the fact referee Thomas Bramall rejected a penalty appeal when forward Deniz Undav looked to have been tripped in the box by Lavelle shortly after the restart.

March then danced through the Charlton defence before curling an effort just wide from 10 yards.

Roberto de Zerbi’s men had another claim for a spot-kick denied after Jesurun Rak-Sakyi appeared to bring down Pervis Estupinan, who came on a substitute following his return from World Cup duty with Ecuador.

But Brighton did not show enough quality and, with Pascal Gross, Leandro Trossard and Moses Caicedo among those to miss in the shootout, Charlton grabbed the opportunity to continue their run in the competition.

“I’m sorry for the result and sorry for our fans,” said De Zerbi. “We wanted to win the game and play in the quarter-finals.

“I think we played a good game, not a fantastic game but enough to win the game.”