Kerstin Casparij's first goal of the WSL season helped Manchester City to a 2-1 win over Brighton ahead of the international break.
Both teams had a flurry of chances in the first 45, but it was the Dutch defender who broke the deadlock as Mary Fowler pinpointed the full-back before the former slotted home.
Despite an eventful first-half and a second in the same fashion, it took until added time for either side to break through the defence.
Arguably against the run of play, City extended our lead as Vivianne Miedema doubled our lead thumping the ball into the net from close range.
It looked as if we would come away with a clean sheet, but a late goal from Charlize Rule pulled one back with just minutes to spare.
But it could act as a consolation goal as we became the first team to win at the Broadfield Stadium in the league this season.
What Happened
City were looking to return to winning ways after a testing string of fixtures against Chelsea.
Brighton stood in between us and three points, but it would be nothing short of easy as the Seagulls hadn’t lost a game at home in the WSL all season.
After Laia Alexandri was forced out of the lineup during the warm-ups onlooking fans had to hold their breath as Leila Ouahabi went down with a head injury just one minute into the match.
With an extensive injury list, it looked to be another blow to our squad as an accidental arm to Ouahabi’s head caught the Spanish International as both players went up for the header.
Thankfully our No.15 was soon back on her feet and continued to play on and supporters could let out a huge sigh of relief.
Despite the early injury scare, City almost took the lead when Fowler chased down Brighton keeper Melina Loeck to block her pass out from the back, but the ball strayed just wide of the goal.
At the other end of the pitch, the Seagulls broke through on the counter as Fran Kirby’s through ball found Poppy Pattinson who composed herself before she fired the shot straight at Khiara Keating.
All the game needed was a goal as both teams pushed to find the opener and it was City who broke through on 37 minutes.
It was Fowler who found Casparij in the Brighton box before our flying full-back turned winger calmly turned the ball into Loeck’s net.
It was the full-back’s first -ever WSL goal and Fowler’s seventh assist – she now has more than any player in the WSL this season.
The tempo stepped up after we took the all-important lead, as Brighton searched for an immediate response.
Kiko Seike danced in and out on the edge of the box before she launched a fantastic effort towards the top corner, but Keating stopped the shot at her near post.
After a high intensity 45 minutes, Fowler glided a ball inside the penalty box to ...
