Lea Le Garrec’s stunning strike helped Brighton & Hove Albion on their way to a first Women’s Super League victory of the season against Birmingham City.
Brighton, winless in each of their opening five league fixtures, went in front through Kayleigh Green’s confident penalty into the roof of the net.
The referee had pointed to the spot after a foul on Ellie Brazil, who received lengthy treatment before eventually being withdrawn.
France midfielder Le Garrec doubled the hosts’ lead shortly before the break at Amex Stadium, crashing a shot in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards.
Green made the game safe in the second half, meeting Le Garrec’s corner to add further gloss to the scoreline.
The margin of victory might have been even more emphatic for Hope Powell’s team, with Emily Simpkins first having a strike disallowed for offside and then heading against the woodwork.
Abbi Grant had the visitors’ best opportunity, dinking wide after going clean through, as Birmingham failed to register a single shot on target in the game.
Brighton’s victory lifted them above Birmingham in the WSL table, while Blues are just two points above bottom side Liverpool, although they do have a game in hand.
