QPR Under-18's will face Exeter City in the Semi Finals of the Youth Alliance Cup Southern Section, but only after coming through a penalty shoot-out against Brighton and Hove Albion.

In an open game, striker Javonne Molloy put the R's in front in the 55th minute.

However, after being unable to capitalise on the amount of possession they had in the Brighton third, Rangers were taught a lesson in finishing as the lively Leon Redwood hit an emphatic equaliser in the final minute of the match.

With the tie going straight to penalties, Nikki-Lee Bulmer was the game's eventual hero, saving two spot-kicks before Raheem Sterling notched the match-winning penalty.

Steve Gallen made several changes to the side that hit Barnet for four at Harlington in midweek.

Michael Harriman's injury meant that Elliot Cox was asked to deputise at right-back, while Danny Bailey was also brought back into the heart of the defence.

Christian Nanetti came in to fill the right-wing berth left by Cox and Molloy replaced Hicham Abdellah up front.

The first half saw QPR take the game to Brighton using the large Harlington pitch to their advantage, switching the play and getting the ball to the flair of wingers Nanetti and Sterling.

The R's forced several corners early on and had their first chance of the game when on four minutes Nanetti headed wide of the right-hand post from Frankie Sutherland's corner.

Michael Doughty then picked the ball up off Aaron Waters, before quickly turning and playing a through ball in behind the Brighton right-back to Sterling.

The R's frontman cut back towards the edge of the area where he curled an effort that forced an impressive save from the Brighton keeper.

QPR coped comfortably with all the Seagulls had to offer restricting them to long-range efforts for most of the half, though Albion created the best chance of the game on the stroke of half time.

A long ball down the left side was then crossed low across the edge of the six-yard box, but Brighton striker Redwood could only pass the ball wide of the left-hand post.

The Seagulls came out firing at the start of the second half.

On 48 minutes striker George Barker headed poorly from eight-yards out after a good move and cross from Redwood.

Barker followed that missed chance with another acrobatic volley with his back to goal that flew just over.

The first goal of the game, however, went the way of QPR. Good work from Sterling on the left-hand side saw him cut on to his right and curl a great cross into the six-yard box that Josh Jonus in the Brighton goal could only parry, and Molloy was able to poach a goal from a tight angle.

Brighton nearly replied immediately. Connor Wilkins' pass put Barker through and he rounded the keeper only for his finish to be cleared off the line by the sliding Luke Olley.

The rest of the game was spent mostly in Brighton's final third as QPR's midfield began to dominate through their superior fitness.

However good opportunities for Doughty and substitute Sam Bewick were squandered and QPR for the second Saturday in succession were made to pay for their inability to kill off teams.

Redwood, who had looked lively throughout, continued his positive play by skipping past Sutherland into the left corner of the penalty area before unleashing a crisp drive into the top right-hand corner of the goal. Seconds later the whistle sounded meaning penalties.

In the shootout Bulmer saved the R's blushes by saving Brighton's second and fourth penalties, leaving Sterling with the opportunity to send QPR into the Semi Finals, which he achieved, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Manager Gallen was obviously delighted to see his side go through, and commented: "Our first-half performance was excellent, but we needed to score in that period when we are well on top.

"It was a great experience for the lads. We've done well, we've won the game.

"I'm delighted to be in the next round but even if we had of lost it, it's still a good experience for these players to be involved in this sort of situation now for their future development."

Rangers will entertain the Grecians before Monday 15th March, while either Millwall or Peterborough United will travel to Gillingham in the other Southern Section Semi Final in the competition.

QPR: Bulmer, Cox, Bailey, Ehmer, Waters, Olley, Sutherland, Doughty, Nanetti (Bewick 72), Sterling, Molloy.

Subs not used: Abdellah, Parmenter, Henry-Smith, Perring.