Tag: Brighton and Hove Albion

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WSL

Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 on the opening weekend of the WSL

Screenshot

photo taken from @bhafcwomen on X

On Sunday the 6th, Arsenal travelled south to Broadfield Stadium to take on the Seagulls in what was a cagey and frustrating fixture. Brighton pushed for an equaliser but ultimately the Gunners did enough to secure a crucial 3 points.

The game kicked off with high intensity and both sides quickly matched the oppositions energy. The first real chance came early on with a great piece of vision from Chiamaka Nnadozie who spotted Kiko Seike charging forward and released the ball, which opened up a positive spell of play for Brighton.

Shortly after, Arsenal WSL debutant Lisa Baum, received the ball down the left wing and thundered an incredible strike off the crossbar and into the back of the net; 1-0 to the Gunners. This goal advantage ignited the travelling side and their loyal fans, who thrived off this momentum and continued to force pressure up front. 

Brighton soon responded and were awarded a few free kicks from promising positions, however the players struggled to connect with these crosses into the box. Instead, they found most success through Japanese forward, Kiko Seike, who was causing trouble on the wing for Ona Battle in their 1v1 moments.

Equally, Arsenal also had opportunities to add to the scoreboard. Olivia Smith’s swinging corner in the 27th minute was met by Steph Catley who headed the ball into the hands of Nnadowzie. Mariona Caldentey also had a go herself, releasing a long-range shot, again saved by the strong hands of Brighton’s keeper.

The first half drew to a close with some scrappy moments and fouls for both teams. It was interesting to see the battlesforming all over the field, which were starting to shape the game. 

The home side came out the tunnel looking fired up for the second half, creating a set-piece opportunity in the final third early on, looking in much more control all over the field, offering increased crosses in the box and pressing high. 

In the opening 45, although Arsenal wasn’t able to capitalise on their advantage, they looked to have more of a grasp of the game. In comparison, after half-time the Gunners were more vulnerable and unable to hold on to possession. However, on the counter, they looked dangerous at times especially through new signings Lisa Baum and Georgia Stanway- standouts from the match. The Brighton backline, specifically Manuela Vanegas did a great job of keeping the relentless Alessia Russo out of the game as well as their other attacking threats. 

Lacking creativity up front, Renee Slegers substituted onto the field Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord. The duo had their bright moments but similarly couldn’t efficiently break down the Albion’s defence, which summed up Arsenal’s attacking performance of the game. 

In turn, Brighton utilised the valuable playmaker of Fran Kirby who intelligently picked up the ball centrally on several occasions, then drilled the ball out wide to Seike. Much to the frustration of the players and fans, they weren’t able tosignificantly challenge goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez and find the back of the net.

After a break in momentum (due to substitutions and Lia Walti going down with an injury) the game did pick up in the closing moments with both teams pushing at either end, but the scoreline remained 1-0.

 

Brighton: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Manuela Vanegas, Moeka Minami, Maisie Symonds, Madison Haley, Kiko Seike, Lia Walti, Fran Kirby, Caitlin Hayes, Marisa Olislagers, Charlie Rule

Substitutions Used: Emilie Joramo, Olivia Garcia, Emily Murphy, Olaug Tvedten, Sophie Peskett

 

Arsenal: Misa, Emily Fox, Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little, Olivia Smith, Lisa Baum, Ona Battle, Alessia Russo

Substitutions Used: Chloe Kelly, Cailtin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, Smilla Holmberg, Frida Maanum

Goal Scorer: Lisa Baum

Categories
WSL

WHATS HAPPENING IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW FOR BRIGHTON?

Image via Paul Hazelwood (Brighton FC)

By Sophie Hodson

The Seagulls have quietly been going along with their business and have made
some exciting signings so far this summer. Of course, with new singings comes
outgoings too and the Seagulls have had to say goodbye to some fan favourites.

OUTGOINGS:
Sophie Baggaley, Libby Bance and Rosa Kafaji have all departed the club upon the
ending of their contracts.


Baggaley joined the club in 2023 and has played a crucial role between the posts for the past 3 years. At the end of the 2023/24 season, she was even voted players’
player by her teammates. The keeper has now officially signed with Birmingham City who were recently promoted to the WSL. Following seven years at the Albion, Bance has made a permanent move to Leicester City. The 23-year-old midfielder has 44 appearances for Brighton but spent her most recent years on loan.

Rosa Kafaji has 24 appearances for the Seagulls with two goals to her name. However, with her loan spell ending this summer, she returned to her parent club Arsenal and has since permanently signed with London City Lionesses.


Another player that has left the club is the Dutch midfielder, Nadine Noordam. After
some memorable moments with Brighton, including scoring the winning goal to send her side to their first FA Cup Final in history, Noordam has transferred back to Ajax.


Rachel McLauchlan also departs the club, making a move to Newcastle United. The
midfielder was with the Albion for 3 years.

NEW SIGNINGS:
So far this summer, the Albion have made 7 signings who will hopefully help the
team reach new heights next season.


A major transfer is the move of Gabby George from Manchester United. The 29-
year-old has been a consistent performing defender for the Red Devils since joining
in 2023 and was a part of the squad which won the FA Cup in 2024. Dario Vidošić
believes that George is the perfect addition for them: “We have big ambitions for the season ahead and adding a player of Gabby’s calibre and character is a massive
step forward for us”.

In addition, the club have also brought in Lia Walti from Juventus for an undisclosed
fee. The Swiss international is most well known for her time at Arsenal, the club whom she won the Champions League with in 2025. This is an exciting transfer for the Albion who will rely on her experience and midfield presence on the field.
In other positions, Brighton have singed Eleanor Heeps from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 22-year-old has further experience with loan spells at Blackburn Rovers,
Coventry United and Sheffield United.


Emily Murphy is another addition to the club, who signed from Newcastle United and also represents the Republic of Ireland at senior level.


Brighton have also signed Sophie Peskett, who leaves Ipswich Town after seven
years. Additionally, they have signed Emilie Joramo on a free transfer from
Hammarby, a Norwegian midfielder. Polish forward, Nadia Krezyman also joins the
club with an incredible record of appearances, goals and assists to her name from
her previous side, Dijon.

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Uncategorized

Brighton & hove Albion hold PSG to tight draw on South Coast

Image via Wing Chong (@thoughtsofawing) for Constancy Sport

It’s set to be an interesting match up today as Brighton & Hove Albion host Paris Saint Germain in a pre-season friendly at the American Express Stadium this afternoon.

Brighton go into today’s game having finished seventh in the league last season but after reaching the FA Cup final at Wembley and strengthening multiple positions over the summer, the Sea Gulls are hoping to have a positive start to the 26/27 campaign.

Meanwhile, PSG finished third in the league last year, were runners up in the Coupe de France and were knocked out of the champions league in the league phase, which by their standards, is sub par. They too have signed a variety of players this summer however have gone for a more youthful outlook on things.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Loeck (GK), Auee, Hayes, Minami, Olislagers, Walti, Joramo, Kirby ©, Murphy, Garcia, Seike

PSG

Starting XI: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Jourde, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Mbock, Charlier, Olga

Paris Saint Germain kicked off on the South Coast this afternoon through Romee Leuchter, although both sides looked surprisingly even in the opening stages.

PSG soon earned the first corner of the game but Leuchter’s delivery sailed straight into the gloves of Melina Loeck.

Brighton registered their first real chance of the game in the ninth minute, with Kiko Seike applying pressure deep on the right-hand side. PSG’s Naomie Feller however was able to regain possession for the visitors and break through on the counter attack, but her effort flew well over the bar.

PSG looked to have a chance to break the deadlock in the 15th minute with Sakina Karchaoui and Leuchter linking up in front of goal. However, Moeka Minami produced a fantastic block to stop the visitors getting ahead.

The hosts soon won their own first corner of the afternoon, with Marissa Olislagers delivering into a dangerous area. Olivia Garcia was unable to make contact with the cross, however. 

The next real chance of the game came courtesy of a stellar cross from Isabela Chagas, Naomie Feller however missed the target once more.

Moeka Minami provided a huge ball over the top from within her own half in the 35th minute, sending Fran Kirby racing up the pitch, the seagulls looked to be through on goal, the latter however was unable to find her footing though, and the opportunity went begging. 

PSG finally found the opener three minutes later after Sakina Karchoui sent Caitlin Hayes spinning on the left, providing the perfect delivery for Alyssa Charlier to slot the ball home.

38’ GOAL – Alyssa Charlier

Brighton were awarded a free kick in dangerous territory moments before half time. A short pass from Marissa Olislagers found  Fran Kirby, who crossed the ball towards goal, Brighton looked to Caitlin Hayes, whose header sailed into the gloves of Kiedrzynek.

Seconds later, Brighton regained possession from the resulting goal kick and came close once again, with the ball flying within inches of the post. 

With two minutes added time announced, PSG earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Romee Leuchter’s ball looked to be heading straight towards the face of goal, however the host’s wall proved to be the better, standing tall and sending the ball back to the feet of Leuchter and preventing the deficit being doubled.

HALF TIME: BRIGHTON 0-1 PSG

Second half XI:

Brighton: Heeps (GK), Vanegas, Pegram, Symonds, Haley,Cankovic, Rayner, Tvedten, Peskett, Tsunoda, Rule

PSG: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Elimbi Gilbert, Ebayilin, Mbock, Morissaint

With a full team of subs from Brighton, the second half was under way. 

Sophie Peskett provided the first chance of the half in the 49th minute, crossing the ball to Madison Haley who was unable to find the target.

An unexpected misplaced pass from the PSG back line gifted Brighton the first corner of the second half. Jelena Cankovic delivered, but her effort failed to cause any real danger. 

A relatively quiet ten minutes meant that the next piece of action was a six way substitution from the visitors at the 60th minute mark with Thiniba Samoura, Paulina Dudek, Tante Diakite, Noemie Fatier, Jade Le Guilly and Marie Estella Lafontaine replaced Elisa De Almeida, Isabela Chagas, Jackie Groenen, Romee Leuchter, Naomie Feller and Griedge Mbock on the field.

Five minutes later, it looked as though PSG were about to find their second of the game. Elimbi Gilbert broke free from Charlie Rule on the wing and pushed high on the pitch, Jelena Cankovic however, denied the visitors once more.

With 20 minutes on the clock, the final hydration break of the game was made and Sakina Karchoui made way for Gabrielle Le Roux

Brighton earned yet another corner in dangerous territory once again once play continued, however Cankovic’s ball was deflected back into the possession of the parisians

After 75 minutes, Jelena Cankovic made way for the gulls’ latest addition, Gabby George, who received a warm welcome from the Albion supporters upon her home debut.

Kiedryznek was put to action soon after, with a double attack from the gulls putting the visitors’ lead under serious pressure.

With five minutes remaining, Sophie Peskett earnt Brighton another free kick on the edge of the box and it was here that the hosts found their first of the game, with Maisie Symonds shooting the ball beyond the keeper and bringing the game level.

85’ GOAL – Maisie Symonds

Four minutes of added time were announced, but Brighton were to deal with a late blow when Bex Rayner was forced off the pitch. Tahirah Heron was introduced as the hosts’ final substitute.

PSG were still searching for a late winner, with Eleanor Heeps forced into a save from a long-range effort in the dying moments. It proved to be the final attempt of the afternoon.

Full time – Brighton & Hove 1-1 Paris Saint Germain

A positive performance from both sides meant that the game ended in a stalemate on the south coast. PSG looked to have the win in the bag for the first 60 minutes however Maisie Symonds free kick provided an extra life from Brighton, who saw the game out at a goal a piece

Categories
FA Cup

Four goal delight as Manchester City secure the double, for the first time 

Manchester City Trophy Lift | photo taken from Charlie Burrell (Shot for Constancy Sport)

Manchester City are the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Winners as goals from Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, Aoba Fujino and Vivianne Miedema helped Manchester City secure the double, for the first time in their history. They won the Women’s Super League earlier on in the month, and with 43,917 fans in attendance at Wembley, Manchester City won the FA Cup for the first time since 2020. 

Brighton had the early chances in the match as both Kiko Seike and Fran Kirby saw their shots either being blocked or over the bar in the first five minutes of the game. The seagulls continued to have majority of the possession throughout the first half as both of Maisie Symonds’ shots were blocked from the Manchester City defence. Brightons’ Kirby and Seike continued to pile on the pressure for the Women’s Super League winners but failed to find the back of the net on both occasions. 

Manchester City’s second shot on goal came from Khadija Shaw as she found a well worked cross from Alex Greenwood, heading it behind Nnadozie and into the back of the net in the 38th minute. This was her 11th headed goal in all competitions this season, becoming the top player from the Women’s Super League.

Seven minutes were added at the end of the first half, where Manchester City capitalised on their lead with the next coming from Alex Greenwood. After a free kick was made just outside of the box due to a foul on Khadija Shaw, it was placed in the perfect area as Greenwood managed to slot it into the bottom right corner just before the break. 

Wembley with Fans | photo taken from Charlie Burrell (Shot for Constancy Sport)

Halftime: Brighton 0-2 Manchester City 

Both teams started off brightly but Manchester City had the upper hand and just 20 minutes after the restart, Aoba Fujino scored after being on the pitch for just five minutes. Her effort was fired into the back of the net after a cross from Bunny Shaw, with her doing the bulk of the work but the Japanese skipped past players and fired it into the back of the net. 

Manchester City continued to pile on the pressure as chances from Aoba Fujino, Bunny Shaw and Jade Rose all had their efforts either saved or over the bar. It was game over in the 87th minute as Vivianne Miedema scored the fourth of the match with Kerstin Casparij finding Vivianne Miedema in the box, and her header was fired into the back of the net. 

Fulltime: Brighton 0-4 Manchester City 

How the teams looked: 

Brighton: Nnadozie, Vanegas, Minami, Symonds © (Rayner 88’), Cankovic, Seike (Kafaji 71’), Kirby (Noordam 80’), Hayes, Olislagers (McLauchlan 79’), Haley, Rule (Mpome 71’). 

Unused Substitutes: Baggaley, Tvedten, Camacho, Tsunoda. 

Manchester City: Yamashita, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood ©, Casparij, Blindkilde Brown (Lohmann 77’), Hasegawa, Hemp (Fowler 77’), Kerolin (Fujino 61’), Clinton (Miedema 61’), Shaw (Coombs 85’). 

Unused Substitutes: Cumings, Ouahabi, Prior, Murphy. 

Yellow Cards: Rebecca Knaak (54’) 

Goals: Khadija Shaw (38’), Alex Greenwood (45+6’), Aoba Fujino (66’), Vivianne Miedema (87’). 

Categories
FA Cup

Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final Match Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City 

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Wembley Stadium Arch | photo taken from @wembleystadium on X

After a two-week break from the Women’s Super League, the biggest game in the calendar returns to Wembley Stadium, rounding off the 2025/26 season. Brighton reached the final for the first time in the club’s history but for Manchester City their last success in the competition was in 2020, and will return to Wembley for the first time in four years. 

Last time they faced each other: 

They faced each other in the Women’s Super League where Brighton won 3-2, ruining the leaders early title celebrations. Goals from Madison Haley and Kiko Seike helped the seagulls get the three points against the eventual winners as Kerolin and Khadija Shaw helped reduce the deficit. 

Starting 11’s from that game: 

Brighton: Nnadozie, Rule, Hayes, Minami, Vanegas, Seike, Cankovic, Symonds, Olislagers, Kirby, Haley. 

Manchester City: Yamashita, Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood, Blindkilde Brown, Hasegawa, Fujino, Kerolin, Hemp, Shaw. 

Brighton & Hove Albion: 

Last Game in the FA Cup: The Seagulls came from behind against Liverpool, away from home as they won 3-2 with substitute Nadine Noordam scoring the winner in the fifth minute of added time. Liverpool were 2-0 up within 22 minutes with goals from Denise O’Sullivan and Beata Olsson but goals from Manuela Vanegas and Madison Haley helped them get to 2-2. 

Starting 11: Nnadozie, Vanegas, Minami, Hayes, Rule, Olislagers, Cankovic, Symonds, Kirby (Noordam 89’), Seike, Haley. 

Unused Subs: Baggaley, Mpome, Kafaji, Rayner, Tvedten, Camacho, McLauchlan, Tsunoda. 

Form and Route to the FA Cup Final: 

Brighton came in during the fourth round proper, hosting Nottingham Forest from WSL2, winning 2-0 before drawing West Ham United away from home. They then won 2-1 against their WSL oppositions in the fifth round proper, and moved onto the quarter final stages. They then travelled to Arsenal where the home side was expected to win, with Brighton being the underdogs of the fixture. They won 2-0 and were later drawn out against Liverpool.  

Celebrations in the Semi-final versus Liverpool | Photo taken from @bhafcwomen on Instagram

Manchester City: 

Last Game in the FA Cup: Coming from behind against Chelsea, the Cityzens won in extra time after goals from Mary Fowler and Khadija Shaw forced it into an extra 30 minutes. Opening goals from Erin Cuthbert and Sam Kerr forced Manchester City to find goals in hope for a double success, with Khadija Shaw scoring the winner in the 103rd minute. 

Starting 11: Keating, Rose, Greenwood ©, Ouahabi (Fowler 85’), Casparij (Beney 66’), Hasegawa, Blindkilde Brown (Lohmann 99’), Hemp, Clinton (Fujino 66’), Kerolin (Coombs 120+3’), Shaw (Murphy 120+3’). 

Unused Subs: Cumings, Wienroither, Prior. 

Form and Route to the FA Cup Final: 

Manchester City also came in during the fourth round proper where they travelled to AFC Bournemouth from the FAWNL who were having a good run prior. The WSL side won 6-0 and were drawn against WSL2 outfit Sheffield United, in front of their home fans. The side won 4-0 and then was drawn away against another WSL2 side in Birmingham City, winning 1-0 and later playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

Grace Clinton in their last FA Cup clash versus Chelsea | Photo taken from @mancitywomen on Instagram