Brighton suffered a dominant defeat as Manchester City claimed three points to draw level at the top of the Women’s Super League. Laura Coombs cemented City’s 4-1 victory with a brilliant first time finish at the Broadfield Stadium. Albion claimed a consolation goal right at the depth of the game with a tidy shot from Lee Geum-min. Match report by Samuel Skedge
The match echoed Brighton’s previous defeat in the Women’s FA Cup Quarters to Manchester United, where interim manager Mikey Harris made only one change by including Jorelyn Carabali in the lineup.
Like last week’s game, Brighton was on the back foot at the start of the match. Manchester City dominated possession but couldn’t break the solid and congested defence. From the early stages, it was all City, but they could barely challenge the goalkeeper. Brighton showed glimpses of hope with strong counter-attacking play, particularly through Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland. However, they struggled to maintain possession and create clear goal-scoring opportunities.
However, City’s pressure finally broke Albion’s defence as Jess Park played a lovely weighted ball to Lauren Hemp. The English forward squeezed the ball past the keeper, as the tight angle did not faze the attacker. Man City was roaring for a second as last-ditch defending from Julia Olme saw her block Alex Greenwood’s headed effort off the line from a corner.
In the 40th minute, City managed to get their second goal of the game. As quick one-two passes split the defence wide open which allowed Hemp to whip in a cross for goal scorer Mary Fowler to finish off. Hemp continued to trouble Albion’s defence as she applied a skilful turn to create space and curled a great effort but was denied by the post.
A quick break allowed the visitors to be on goal, but the attacker was brought down just on the edge of the box by Jorelyn Carabali. The young Brighton defender was fortunate not to be shown a red card but created a dangerous chance for City. Greenwood struck a well-hit shot but was parried away from the goalkeeper.
Manchester City claimed all three points, making it three goals in the 68th minute. A well-worked set piece from the corner resulted in the ball being forced into the box, and a leaping Khadija Shaw headed home. This extended her goals to 16 this season as the leading top goal scorer in the Women’s Super League. In the 78th minute, the away team extended their lead to 4-0. Laura Coombs was left unmarked in the box, receiving a cutback from Mary Fowler before firing it into the back of the net.
The match saw a standout performance from Lee Geum-min, who made an impact after coming off the bench against her former team, injecting energy into Brighton’s attack and ultimately scoring a late goal. The consolation goal involved Sarri delivering a low-driven ball and Lee with a fantastic run and finish.
With this result, the Seagulls have dropped down to 10th place due to goal difference, placing them just two points behind 8th place.
