Brighton thrash Norwich 4-0 to progress into FA Cup fourth round

Brighton thrashed Norwich 4-0 to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup at Carrow Road after a dominant display on Saturday.

Georginio Rutter bagged a first-half brace before Julio Enciso and Solly March struck after the break.

Norwich gave a reasonable account of themselves in the early stages, with Amankwah Forson striking an upright from distance, but the game was up once Rutter scored twice in eight minutes just before the break.

The Dutchman headed home an excellent cross from fellow countryman Joel Veltman to open the scoring and then fired home via a deflection off Callum Doyle in what proved to be the final action of the half.

However, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was delighted to see his side get back to winning ways over Norwich.

The Seagulls were without a win in eight Premier League games going into the tie – albeit with six draws.

“It doesn’t matter whether it is the Premier League or the FA Cup, winning is always a good feeling and it was good to have it again today.

“It is good for confidence and hopefully we can now take this into the Premier League.

“I thought we struggled a bit for the first 15 to 20 minutes and Norwich had their one big chance when they hit the post,” Hurzeler said.

Hurzeler was pleased with the contribution of Rutter, whose double late in the first half set up the win.

“Scoring those goals will be good for his confidence, I’m sure of that,” he said.

“He worked very hard, getting into a lot of good positions, and he had already gone close on a couple of occasions before he scored his goals,” Hurzeler said.