Hope Strauss' penalty was the difference between Norwich City Women and Brighton and Hove Albion Women Academy, as the Canaries advance to the next round of the FAWNL Plate.
There were just two changes to Andy Cook's starting 11 that beat Ashford Town 6-0 in the league last weekend, with Ella Powell and Lara Densley in off the bench for Eloise Morran and Olivia Cook.
It was a bright start from the Canaries, particularly from forwards Powell and Holly Kennard, dominating possession and creating options for Norwich early on.
City were able to capitalise on their positive play, winning a penalty on the 10-minute mark.
Strauss stepped up and converted to give Norwich the lead, making it three for three from the spot this season for the centre-back.
Following the goal, Powell, Kennard and Natasha Snelling all had opportunities but Lily Murray in goal was alert to the danger and palmed away their efforts.
The second half opened in a much more attacking style from Brighton, who made multiple changes at the break.
City 'keeper Sarah Quantrill had had a quiet first half, but was required to be protective over a few loose shots into the area in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
She then made a brilliant stop in a one-on-one to deny Aisha Masaka the equaliser for the visitors.
The final action of the game looked like the Canaries had sealed the win as Densley recovered the ball deep into Brighton's half and had a shot that pinballed in the area and seemed to cross the line but no goal was given.
City are now into the first round of the Plate, facing MK Dons Women on Sunday, September 29, away from home.
Norwich City: Quantrill (C); Medd-Gill, Flye, Strauss, Moore; Hailes, Powell (Booty 63), Smith (Daviss h-t); Densley (Johnston 90+1), Kennard (Symonds 63), Snelling (Shaw 63)
Unused subs: Locker, Cook
Goals: Strauss (10)
Bookings: Smith (45+1)
Brighton Academy: Murray; Milner, Burton (C), Balmer, Atinaro; Guest Kaluya, Pegram; Masaka, Johnson, Martin
Subs: Marshall-Miranda, Smith, Heron, Jones, Hester, Gaunt, Fowler
Bookings: Kaluya (26)
HT: 1-0
FT: 1-0
Venue: The Nest