September In Review: Women’s Team
Brighton & Hove Albion made their long-awaited FA Women’s Super League debut at the beginning of September, before another four matches throughout the month, including a victory in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup. The Seagulls got their league campaign underway against Bristol City at the Broadfield Stadium, but Lucy Graham’s 71st-minute strike secured all three points for the visitors. Hope Powell gave league debuts to summer signings Kayleigh Green and Ellie Brazil, but Albion were unable to find the back of the net despite a positive second-half display. Another home match followed, with Women’s Championship side London Bees travelling south, and Powell’s side were able to claim their first victory of the season in the Continental Tyres Cup. Paula Howells broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 22nd minute, but Albion replied through Ini Umotong five minutes later, before Brazil headed her first goal for the club before the break. After a tight second half, Aileen Whelan killed off the game in the 88th minute, when she slotted home from a tight angle to move the Seagulls onto four points in Group One South. Albion then faced their first midweek match of the season, when they travelled to Birmingham City on a Wednesday evening, and it proved to be a tight affair against the Blues, but a step too far for Powell’s side. Laura Rafferty was penalised for a foul on Emma Follis moments before the half-time whistle, and City’s Aoife Mannion converted the spot-kick to give the hosts a narrow lead at the break. The Seagulls pressed for an equalising goal in the second half, with Sophie Perry going close in the 89th minute, but time ran out on Powell’s hard-working team and the West Midlands club claimed a victory. The BT Sport cameras arrived at the Broadfield Stadium for Albion's first-ever televised game in the Women’s Super League a few days later — Liverpool were the visitors on the south coast. Albion produced a battling display against the Reds and looked to be heading towards a share of the spoils, but a cruel blow was delivered in the 85th minute when Rinsola Babajide fired the winner. Green and Sophie Perry had chances to level in the closing stages, but Albion’s search for a league victory continued into their final game of the month. September ended with a visit to Chelsea, who had drawn their previous three games 0-0, but Powell’s side were unable to prevent the Blues from clinching their first win of the campaign. Two first-half goals in quick succession proved the difference at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, and despite an improved performance after the break, Albion found Chelsea’s defence difficult to break down. Fran Kirby opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, before Erin Cuthbert was able to double the hosts’ advantage three minutes later to give Albion a mountain to climb. Albion will now turn their attention to a match away at Everton on 14th October after the women's international break.