Kiko Seike’s sixth-minute conversion proved the matchwinner over London City Lionesses in front of a record 3,302 strong crowd at the Copperjax Community Stadium.

Seike’s early strike culminated from the visitors pouncing on a loose ball for Madison Haley to soon lay into the Japanese international. The Brighton winger calmly fired in at the near post to secure her fourth goal in 10 WSL matches.

Brighton’s Haley was soon taken down by Lionesses’ centre-back Wassa Sangaré, however, the American winger’s 18th-minute penalty kick was greeted with the diving palm of Elene Lete. 

The hosts soon grew into the half with a long-range strike from former Albion striker Nikita Parris being tipped over the crossbar by Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. 

For all of their attacking intent, particularly from left-flank Rofiat Imuran driving down the flank, the side couldn’t deliver the decisive action as consecutive strikes from Grace Geyoro were fired directly at Nnadozie.

The Lionesses continued to push, with second-half substitutes including midfielders Katie Zelem and Julia Roddar, however the closest the hosts came to a leveller was a blocked shot inside the box from striker Isobel Goodwin.

Meanwhile, the Albion narrowly failed in doubling their advantage as debutant Manuela Vanegas rattled the crossbar with her cross-cum-shot before defender Caitlin Hayes headed over the bar from close range.

They were thankfully not to rue their missed opportunities as late introductions of right-back Charlize Rule and striker Carla Camacho helped the side to see out their first away victory of the WSL campaign.

These are the Brighton player ratings for their 1-0 victory against London City Lionesses.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK) – 8 A superb display from the Nigerian, produced a fingertip save to deny Parris and a duo of stops against Geyoro. Audaciously ran out of her box to shepherd possession out of play. 

Marisa Olislagers – 7 Looked to advance up the flank for the Albion, while handling her duels and playing well out from the back. 

Manuela Vanegas – 7 Strong display on the left-back’s WSL debut, comfortable playing out from the back and had a cross-cum-shot ricochet off the bar. 

Caitlin Hayes – 8 Crucial defending from the centre-back, heading away the danger from the Lionesses’ corners. Looped her header narrowly over the bar. 

Moeka Minami – 8 Comfortable playing out from the back, the centre-back provided several vital interceptions in the box to quell the Lionesses’ advances.

Rachel McLauchlan – 7 Superb from the right-back to pick up loose balls and advance into box. Struggled at times to contain Imuran on the flank.

Maisie Symonds C – 8 Won back possession often in the midfield, tenacious as ever in breaking up play.

Rosa Kafaji – 5 Lively at times in the first half but failed to provide the final ball. Was withdrawn just after the hour mark.

Nadine Noordam – 6 The midfielder contributed to Albion’s attacks but couldn’t provide the final ball through to the forwards when in promising positions. 

Madison Haley – 7 Won the penalty and was often fouled by the Lionesses midfield, but failed to convert from the spot past Lete. Assisted Seike’s matchwinner.

Kiko Seike – 7 The winger’s pace was a constant threat, carrying the ball up the field well. Recorded the matchwinner with an emphatic near-post finish.

Brighton substitutes: Fran Kirby – 5 Replaced Kafaji in the 63rd minute. Didn’t get on the ball often as London City searched for a late leveller.

Carla Camacho – N/A Replaced Haley in the 84th minute. 

Charlize Rule – N/A Introduced for McLauchlan in the 84th minute.