The score at 90 minutes was 2-2 – but it was no thriller.
This was very much a stifled affair and by the time Spurs had won 5-4 on penalties, both sets of fans were a little more concerned about their exit strategies out of Milton Keynes' riddle of roundabouts.
English domestic cups have become horribly devalued since the prize monies for the Premier and Champions League began going through the roof.
As a result, watching your team "compete" can occasionally be a bit of a chore due to the absence of pivotal players.
Spurs managed to play without a striker – until Fernando Llorente was subbed on in in place of Lucas Moura in the 70th minute. Even by Tottenham's frequently frugal standards this was an ambitious move.
September has been a distinctly unmemorable month for Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs have won just two games from five, across three different competitions.
There remains a feeling of slight hesitancy ahead of the Lilywhites' foray up to West Yorkshire this Saturday, where Tottenham take on Huddersfield.
The Terriers are propping up the table, having failed to win a single game to date this season.
A return to form from Harry Kane would significantly aid Tottenham's recovery.
The 25 year old's penalty against Brighton was like a NASA approved rocket, and his general play has been improving gently.
However, Spurs' midfield fulcrum Christian Eriksen is out with an abdomen problem, Serge Aurier will face a late fitness test and both keepers, Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm, will remain side-lined.
One cannot help but feel that Tottenham's muted form is getting a somewhat easier ride from fans who remain appreciative that they are watching their side play at ad-hoc venues while their new home is still being fitted out.
Pochettino will need to do something to up the feel-good factor at Spurs before September completely fades.
October brings with it games against Barcelona, West Ham, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
Talk of ENIC's "world class facilities" won't spare Tottenham's blushes if they were found to be all fur coat and no knickers this season.
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