Battling Brighton survived a scare to grind out 3-2 victory over West Ham at the Amex.
Embed from Getty ImagesRachel McLauchlan’s brilliant opener and Kiko Seike’s second were cancelled out by a quickfire double from Hammers’ captain Katrina Gorry. Fran Kirby’s late strike saw the Seagulls edge a tight affair.
Gorry put in a talismanic performance for West Ham. Her first was a wondrous strike from the edge of the box curled into the far corner. Five minutes later she had her brace. Picking the pocket of opposite number Vicky Losada, Gorry powered a thunderous effort past Sophie Baggaley.
Embed from Getty ImagesMcLauchlan’s first goal for the Seagulls gave Albion the lead just before the half-hour mark. An inventive flick by Fran Kirby set the Scotswoman free in the box, and she duly curled into the far post.
Goalscorer turned provider on the hour. McLauchlan’s cross could not be missed by Seike.
Gorry sadly had to be withdrawn on 74 minutes, walking off in some discomfort.
Having weathered the West Ham storm, Brighton retook the lead with less than ten minutes remaining. Great work out wide by Seike found Kirby free in the box. The England international calmly rolled the ball across her body and fired home the winner.
