- Albion are beaten 4-0 by Manchester United in the FA WSL
- Lauren James and Leah Galton (2) and Katie Zelem (penalty) on target for United
- Result ends the Seagulls' three-game unbeaten run
- Hope Powell's side next in action at home to Reading on Friday
It was a comprehensive and dominant display from the hosts, in a match where Hope Powell’s side never really found their rhythm.
Powell made two changes to the side that beat Birmingham City in their last FA Women’s Super League game a week ago, with Danique Kerkdijk and Amanda Nilden replacing Fern Whelan and Ellie Brazil.
Both teams came into the match on the back of big wins in the Continental League Cup, with Albion and United putting five and 11 goals past London Bees and Leicester City respectively, but it was United that looked more likely to carry on from where they left off on Thursday, with a fast start to the game.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead when Millie Turner tapped home on the rebound from Leah Galton’s initial strike, but the referee ruled the effort out for offside. However, the deadlock was soon broken through Lauren James, who tapped in Galton’s cross from the left with ten minutes played.
Goalscorer James was involved in the thick of the action again when she was picked out on the angle by Jackie Groenen, but Megan Walsh was equal to her shot on this occasion.
Galton turned from provider to goalscorer in the 27th minute, as Katie Zelem played her through on goal, and she beat Walsh at her far post.
United were in the mood to add to their tally, and Galton then set up Martha Harris, who hit the side netting with a shot from distance.
Abbie McManus was next to try her luck with a cross-shot which forced Walsh to parry over the bar, and while there was little to cheer about from an Albion perspective, Maya Le Tissier deserved plenty of plaudits for a superb last-ditch challenge to thwart Jackie Groenen inside the area.
Powell freshened up her forward line with the introduction of Ini Umotong for Nilden at the break, but it was United that came close once again through Galton, who headed wide at the far post.
Albion struggled to make any real inroads into the game, as Lea Le Garrec’s set piece from distance was their only chance of note during the 90 minutes.
The game was effectively put to bed as a contest in the 67th minute when Galton got her second and United’s third after sliding in Zelem’s cross from the right-hand side.
The hosts weren’t done there though, and added a fourth when Kayleigh Green was penalised for a challenge on Kirsty Hanson, and Zelem sent Walsh the wrong way with the subsequent penalty.
Powell’s team will have a chance to bounce back when they host Reading at The People’s Pension Stadium this coming Friday.
ALBION: Walsh; Barton, Kerkdijk, Le Tissier, Gibbons; Simpkins, Bowman, Le Garrec; A. Whelan, Green, Nilden (Umotong 46).
SUBS NOT USED: Harris (GK), F. Whelan, Lundorf, Williams, Bance, Natkiel.
Albion's next Barclays FA Women's Super League fixture takes place against Reading on Friday 29th November, kick-off 7.45pm. Advance price tickets are available to buy at a price of £4 for adults and £2 for over-65s/under-18s. Visit tickets.BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com for full details.