Brighton & Hove Albion Women were edged out 3-2 by Manchester City in the Women's Super League on Sunday 18 October, their second straight league defeat. Dario Vidosic's side conceded three times in the opening 17 minutes but mounted a spirited fightback with two goals before half-time.
Khadija Shaw put the hosts ahead after just five minutes, finishing from a Lauren Hemp assist, and doubled the lead in the 16th minute with Hemp again the provider. Niamh Charles made it 3-0 a minute later, leaving Brighton with a mountain to climb.
The visitors regrouped and pulled a goal back in the 31st minute through O. Garcia. Six minutes later, C. Hayes found the net, assisted by Francesca Kirby, to set up a tense finale at 3-2.
Team changes and discipline
Vidosic set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and made four substitutions in the second half as they chased an equaliser. Emilie Marie Joramo replaced Olaug Tvedten in the 66th minute, while Maelys Mpomé and Marisa Olislagers entered for Marit Auee and Jelena Cankovic ten minutes later. Emily Murphy came on for Gabrielle George late on. Defender Manuela Vanegas received a late yellow card for dissent in stoppage time.
City dominated possession with 59% and created more chances, forcing five saves from the Brighton goalkeeper. The visitors managed three shots on target from nine attempts. Top scorer Kiko Seike, who has three goals this season in five appearances, was unable to add to her tally in this match. Her most recent goals came in the 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic on 4 October, a match where she scored twice.
The result leaves the team searching for consistency as they aim to climb the WSL table. Their next opportunity to return to winning ways comes quickly, with a home fixture against West Ham Women on Saturday 24 October.
