- Birmingham take the lead through a first-half Aoife Mannion penalty
- There were few chances for either team during the match
- The Seagulls are still searching for their first FA Women’s Super League win
- Albion are back in action against Liverpool on Sunday
Brighton & Hove Albion suffered a second 1-0 league defeat in a row, as an Aoife Mannion penalty was enough to settle a game of few chances against Birmingham City.
Hope Powell made just one change from Sunday’s match against London Bees, with Fliss Gibbons replacing Kate Natkiel.
The match started out as a cagey affair under the lights in Solihull with neither side able to create much in the opening minutes.
The first effort of note went to the hosts in the tenth minute, when winger Lucy Staniforth tried a speculative attempt from 35 yards which cleared the crossbar.
Albion then hit back with a long range effort of their own, as Danielle Buet took aim but her shot skimmed wide of the post.
The match continued to provide little in the way of clear-cut chances for the remainder of the first half, with both sides finding it difficult to break down the back line of their opposition.
However, with half-time approaching, a long ball over the top of the Albion backline sent Blues winger Emma Follis through on goal, but before she could get her shot away, she was brought down by Albion defender Laura Rafferty.
Birmingham defender Mannion stepped up and converted the spot-kick with the last notable kick of the half.
As the game entered the second-half, the temperature dropped and there was little action to warm up the Midlands crowd.
It wasn’t until the hour mark before a chance was created, as Meaghan Sargeant was flagged offside for the hosts as she looked to head in a Marisa Ewers free kick.
As the half wore on it seemed like the hosts would be the favourites to extend their lead. A smart shot from Charlie Wellings was comfortably claimed by Lucy Gillett, before Welsh international midfielder Hayley Ladd found her way in-behind the Albion defence but her ball from the by-line couldn’t find a team-mate.
Albion’s best chance of the half came in the 89th minute, as Aileen Whelan’s smart flick released Sophie Perry, but the Republic of Ireland international wasn’t able to find a finish.
With five minutes of stoppage time indicated, the Seagulls gave it their best effort but were unable to find a way to goal.
The result leaves Albion winless after two league matches, while Birmingham extended their run to five clean sheets from five matches this season.
The team are next in action this Sunday when they take on Liverpool at the Broadfield Stadium in the FA Women’s Super League, kick-off 12.15pm.
Purchase your tickets in advance now from just £7 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3 for under-10s Visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com/Tickets for more information.
ALBION: Gillett; Barton, Rafferty, Williams, Gibbons; Buet, Brett, A. Whelan; Perry, Umotong (Natkiel 64), Brazil.
SUBS NOT USED: Hartley, Roe, F. Whelan, Nilden, Peplow, Green