Skipper Louise Quinn scored twice as Birmingham boosted their Women’s Super League survival hopes with a 3-1 victory over Brighton at the People’s Pension Stadium.
Veatriki Sarri put the rock-bottom Blues in front early on and then set up Quinn’s 75th-minute header that extended the lead.
Julia Zigiotti pulled a goal back in the 84th minute before Quinn’s second wrapped up the win for Birmingham – for whom goalkeeper Emily Ramsey was superb – as Darren Carter’s side cut the gap between them and second-bottom Leicester to four points with three more games to go. The Foxes are in action on Sunday when they face Manchester City away.
Birmingham went ahead in the ninth minute when Sarri picked up the ball on the halfway line and advanced forward. Emma Kullberg got a touch that only helped Sarri on her way and the Greece international continued into the box before slotting past Megan Walsh.
Birmingham City’s Louise Quinn
The hosts’ subsequent efforts to hit back saw Ramsey pull off two fine saves to deny Lee Geum-min and also keep out an Aileen Whelan effort, while Kayleigh Green struck the bar.
Ramsey produced more good work after the break as she pushed away strikes from Inessa Kaagman and Danielle Carter.
Birmingham then went close in the 67th minute as Libby Smith was just unable to apply a touch to finish in front of goal from a Sarri cross.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Hope Powell ahead of the FA Women’s Super League match at the People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley.
And eight minutes later, their advantage was doubled as Sarri crossed again from the left and Quinn headed in.
Brighton responded with a Kaagman strike that Ramsey tipped on to the bar and Zigiotti then reducing the deficit with a shot from Maisie Symonds’ tee-up, but Birmingham nerves were eased four minutes later as Quinn’s finish made it 3-1. Hope Powell’s Brighton remain sixth in the table.
How to follow the WSL on Sky Sports
Sky Sports – All 35 games will be available across Sky Sports’ flagship channels, including Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
Sky Sports digital – Follow all the latest from the WSL across SkySpots.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage and in-game clips from games live on Sky Sports. You can watch free match highlights from every WSL game this season on Sky Sports’ digital platforms and YouTube channel.
Sky Sports News – Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week Barclays FA WSL fans can enjoy Sky Sports News (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the league and its storylines throughout the season.
Inside the WSL – Hosted by award-winning broadcaster and journalist Jessica Creighton, Inside the WSL is a comprehensive round-up of all things Barclays FA Women’s Super League and women’s football. Airing weekly from Thursday, September 9 on Sky Sports Premier League, the half an hour show will review and preview matches, include in-depth analysis and exclusive player interviews. Viewers can expect gripping behind-the-scenes access as well as a summary of all the action both on and off the pitch.
Sky Sports Social – Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports’ main social media channels, a new bespoke Twitter channel @SkySportsWSL will be the home of all Barclays FA WSL content on Sky Sports.
