Alisha Lehmann's decisive second-half goal secured a crucial win for Aston Villa as they triumphed over Brighton in the Women's Super League fixture. The Swiss forward's goal, her second in consecutive games, came as she expertly slotted a low strike past Melina Loeck following Rachel Daly's initial attempt being blocked.
This victory ensures Aston Villa's claim to the seventh position in the league standings under the leadership of manager Carla Ward, in what marks her final season at the helm. However, Villa's aspirations of finishing within the top half of the league table have been dashed.
Meanwhile, Mikey Harris' Brighton side finds themselves slipping to ninth place in the WSL standings. Brighton continues to struggle for victories on their home turf, failing to secure a win since Harris took interim charge back in February.
The match saw Aston Villa making an assertive start, displaying fluid passing and actively seeking opportunities within Brighton's defensive line. Despite several promising moments, including Lehmann's missed opportunity from a Kirsty Hanson delivery, the first half remained goalless.
Both sides displayed glimpses of attacking prowess, with Daly and Kenza Dali threatening Brighton's defense. However, it was Villa who came closest to breaking the deadlock before halftime, with a long-range effort from Hanson striking the crossbar.
Although Brighton posed occasional threats, notably through Madison Haley's looping attempt, they lacked the clinical edge in front of goal. Villa maintained control throughout much of the encounter, eventually securing victory with Lehmann's decisive strike in the second half.
Despite a late scare when Lee Geum-min's shot deflected off Villa defender Anna Patten, Villa held firm to claim all three points, highlighting their dominance in the match.