Interim boss Mikey Harris was left "hurting" for his players after Brighton were dumped out of the Conti Cup on penalties by Aston Villa.

The Seagulls, who sacked Melissa Phillips last week, had high hopes of progressing to the semi-finals for a much-needed boost during a disappointing campaign. 

But after Veatriki Sarri's 35th-minute opener was cancelled out by Kirsty Hanson in the second half at the Broadfield Stadium, the hosts blew their chance in the subsequent shootout. 

Penalties from Vicky Losada, Elisabeth Terland and Julia Zigiotti were all saved, while Lee Geum-Min dragged hers wide as Brighton were beaten 2-0. 

Speaking to the club's website, Harris said: "I'm hurting for the players because if we'd won that game it would have been so good for their confidence. 

"We put so much into the game and it all comes down to penalties. Fair play, their keeper made some great saves. 

"It's fine margins but I was pleased with how much we put into it.

"I thought we played well in the first half with our identity and deserved to be in front. In the second half we defended our box really well. 

"They put us under quite a bit of pressure and got their goal but it in the end it is very narrow margins that decided the game."

Brighton, who sit 11th in the Women's Super League, will not have long to lick their wounds ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie with Wolves. 

Harris added: "The last seven days have been a bit of a whirlwind. 

"I will review the game and see what I could have done differently in my role, then we'll box it off and start looking ahead and preparing for Wolves."