How It Stands: Women's Team

Although a number of Brighton & Hove Albion’s teams are currently experiencing an international break, Hope Powell’s side are getting ready for three league matches in the space of eight days, as their FA Women’s Super League 2 season gets back underway.

The Seagulls find themselves in fourth position after playing half their fixtures, and Powell’s team trail leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles by seven points, but with a game in hand.

Albion recorded an impressive 5-1 victory over Oxford United towards the end of February, and with a trip to Sheffield FC this Sunday, the Seagulls will look to close the gap at the top of the FA WSL 2.

Back-to-back victories saw Albion make an encouraging start to the season, as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 away from home, before sealing a 3-2 victory over Durham at Culver Road.

Powell’s team beat Yeovil Town and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup, but defeats to Chelsea and Bristol City meant Albion were knocked out at the group stages.

Nevertheless, the Seagulls continued to record positive results in the league, beating Tottenham and Sheffield FC by narrow 1-0 scorelines, as their challenge for the league title remained intact.

A 4-1 defeat to leaders Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium was a learning curve for the team, but the Seagulls bounced back with consecutive wins over London Bees and Oxford - scoring eight goals in two matches.

After Sunday’s trip to the Coaches and Horses Ground, Albion will travel to Watford on Thursday 29th March, before opening a new month with the visit of Spurs to Culver Road on Sunday 1st April.

Of course, regardless of their league finish this campaign, Powell’s side will be playing football in the FA WSL 1 next season - but with the battle for top spot well and truly up for grabs, the Seagulls will look to continue their surge for success.