Honours even as Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion play out score draw | OneFootball

Barclays Women’s Super League strugglers Brighton & Hove Albion picked up a much-needed point as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at The Poundland Bescot Stadium this afternoon.

Both teams were coming into the game off the back of big victories in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, however, all of the focus was back on the league with Aston Villa aiming for a top half of the table finish and Brighton & Hove Albion fighting for their lives.

The opening exchanges were lively with both teams enjoying spells on the ball. The first clear-cut chance of the game fell to Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali. She unleashed her shot from the edge of the box but Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Megan Walsh was there to claim the ball.

The Villans were on the front foot, playing the ball high up the pitch and they created their chances. Walsh was kept busy in the visitors’ goal but Carla Ward’s side were unable to find a way through.

Disaster then struck for Brighton & Hove Albion as they gifted Aston Villa the lead with just over half an hour gone. Kayleigh Green turned the ball past Walsh and into the back of her own net.

Continuing to push forward, the hosts almost doubled their lead not long after, however, Kirsty Hanson was unable to connect with a dangerous cross.

Entering the second half, the hosts were 1-0 up and they were keen to quickly double their lead. Playing the ball around the box, a number of players looked like they could take a shot on but the closest to goal was Rachel Daly, her header went inches over the bar. At the other end, Hannah Hampton made a brilliant save from a corner, one of her very few involvements in the game.

With 15 minutes to go, Hampton was forced into another save and this time, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Julia Zigiotti Olme was there to slot home the rebound to bring her team level.

Both teams looked to net the winning goal but time was running out. There was a big shout from the touchline for a free-kick on the edge of the area for Aston Villa while Hampton and Walsh both skied clearances up and out of the stadium to a roar from the crowd, who had been very vocal all afternoon. In the end, despite their efforts, both teams took just one point away from the match, a result which probably suited the visitors more than the hosts.

The teams meet again next Sunday in the reverse fixture at Broadfield Stadium.