WSL Leaders City stunned by Brighton

WSL Leaders City stunned by Brighton

Manchester City should still go on to win the WSL but their title charge suffered a setback on the south coast.

The table toppers took the lead early on against Brighton & Hove Albion through Kerolin in just the fifth minute of the game.

City pressure continued and it seemed like only a matter of time before they doubled their lead until first-half stoppage time when Madison Haley netted after Fran Kirby's layoff.

Then two minutes into the second half the home side were ahead. Kirby again with the assist as she found Kiko Seike on the right who fired the ball past her compatriot Ayaka Yamashita.

Brighton were much improved in the second half and they were rewarded for that with a third goal when Haley headed in a rebound of her own effort to make it 3-1 in the 65th minute.

Naturally, Khadija Shaw got her name on the scoresheet and she gave the home fans plenty of nerves when she reduced the deficit in the 86th minute but the Seagulls held on to earn all three points.

Of course, City remain top of the WSL, nine points clear of champions Chelsea. Their most likely challengers now are who are 11 points behind but have three games in hand. Brighton meanwhile move up to sixth, five points behind .