Stefan Vukoje’s brace condemned Swansea City Under-18s to a narrow 3-2 defeat against high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion in Premier League South.

The visitors had taken an early lead at the AMEX Elite Performance Centre through Charlie Clancy’s first goal for the Swans, while Will Rickard made it 2-2 after the hosts had turned the contest around through Vukoje and Jack Spong.

However, Vukoje added his second 13 minutes from time as Brighton recorded their sixth win in seven games.

Anthony Wright’s side took a 12th-minute lead on the south coast with Clancy cleverly turning away from his marker before slotting past Brighton keeper Adam Desbois.

The hosts replied with two goals in the space of eight minutes as fine team moves were finished off by Vukoje and Spong respectively.

Back came the Swans, who equalised in the 57th minute when Rickard latched onto Michael Murphy’s through ball before squeezing his shot past Desbois at the near post.

But the visitors were unable to hang on and Vukoje netted what proved to be the winner 13 minutes from time; finishing after Spong had regained possession high up the field.

Swansea City U18s: Tyler Evans; Ryan Bevan (capt), Scott Butler, Jake Thomas, Luke Motruk; Michael Murphy (Adnaan Moti 58), Morgan Clarke, Erick Kenko (Luke McKendry 67); Will Rickard, Charlie Clancy, Ali Al-Hamadi.

Subs not used: Lewis Webb, Jacob Edwards, Josh Edwards.