Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic was delighted with his players’ second-half reaction as they clinched a 3-2 victory over league leaders Manchester City.

While a fast start at the Broadfield Stadium saw Kerolin open the scoring inside five minutes, the Sky Blues squandered further opportunities and Madison Haley struck the Seagulls level just before half time.

“I think each and every one of them would have been disappointed at half time, and they were,” admitted Vidosic.

“For that reaction to come out in the second half and to play the way they did, that’s a massive positive for us.”

Albion looked far more confident in possession after the interval, and taliswoman Kiko Seike soon recorded her eighth goal of the Women’s Super League campaign with a stunning strike at the near post.

The Japan winger again drove beyond Greenwood in the 65th minute, cutting the ball back for Haley to fire at goal. While Yamashita denied the initial effort, Haley rose quickly to head the rebound past the goalkeeper and trailing City defenders.

The American’s brace means she has scored three goals in the last two matches, a strong return for the winger as she continues to flourish in the no.9 role.

“I think playing centre and centre of the field is definitely one of my strengths, and holding up the ball, spinning. So yeah, I was really happy to have that role today for the team,” said Haley.

“But I think ultimately to win a football match, you have to be using everyone’s strengths… and I think everyone stepped up and brought their qualities.”

Chiamaka Nnadozie demonstrated her terrific abilities, with the goalkeeper proving a commanding presence from City’s set-pieces and reacting quickly to deny a strike from Kerolin with her boot.

Haley was quick to show her appreciation for the summer signing. “She’s a great shot-stopper and I think she’s shown that throughout the season as well.

“It’s the people in front of her keeping the ball out of the back of the net. She’s had a lot of clean sheets, and a lot of big moments for us.

“Thankfully we haven’t been making her work too hard in matches, but when we’ve needed her she has come up big for us so we’re really lucky to have her.”

Albion’s defenders were made to work in the closing stages to keep the Cityzens at bay, with several attacks threatening a comeback.

While prolific striker Khadija Shaw found the back of the net four minutes from time, the Seagulls stood firm to claim all three points.

The victory is just Brighton’s second against Manchester City, and closes the gap to five points on fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur.

“Hopefully this performance gives us more belief because it doesn’t get any easier,” said Vidosic.

“We travel to Manchester next week and we tackle the red side.”

The Seagulls face Manchester United next Saturday at midday, with the chance to secure a fourth consecutive victory beckoning.

Word count: 494 words