This weeks write up is brought to you by Chloe, Tia and Kelsea Owen, proud members of the BCFC Women’s OSC.
Birmingham City were left frustrated after a dramatic late equaliser denied them all three points in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at St Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon.
After producing one of their strongest performances since returning to the Women’s Super League, Amy Merricks’ side looked on course for a deserved victory thanks to goals from Océane Hurtré and Lily Crosthwaite.
The Blues started brightly and were rewarded inside the opening ten minutes. Hurtré, who has quickly established herself as an influential figure in Birmingham’s attack, found space to finish confidently and give the hosts an early advantage.
The goal lifted both the players and supporters, with Birmingham continuing to pose a threat whenever they moved forward.
Defensively, the Blues looked organised and disciplined throughout much of the opening period. Hurtré remained a constant threat, using her pace and direct running to stretch the Brighton defence, while Birmingham looked increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack.
Brighton enjoyed lengthy spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-drilled home side. When called upon, Sophie Baggaley was assured between the posts, helping Birmingham take their advantage into the interval.
The second half could hardly have started better for the hosts.
Just minutes after the restart, Crosthwaite doubled Birmingham’s advantage with a composed finish, capping an impressive individual display. At 2-0, the home side appeared firmly in control and looked set to secure an important victory against established WSL opposition.
To Brighton’s credit, however, they responded positively. The visitors increased the tempo and gradually began to push Birmingham deeper into their own half, with experienced England international Fran Kirby becoming increasingly influential as Brighton searched for a route back into the contest.
Their pressure eventually told in the 77th minute when substitute Olivia Garcia reduced the deficit.
The goal injected fresh belief into the visitors and set up a tense finale, with Birmingham forced to defend their advantage as Brighton committed more players forward.
The Blues defended courageously during the closing stages and looked moments away from securing all three points. But Brighton had one final twist in store.
In stoppage time, Kiko Seike produced an excellent finish from a difficult angle to complete the comeback and silence the home crowd, ensuring the spoils were shared at St Andrew’s.
While there was understandable disappointment among the Birmingham players at the final whistle, the performance offered plenty of encouragement.
For large periods, the Blues matched and at times outplayed a Brighton side with considerable WSL experience. The ability to build a two-goal lead and control significant portions of the game will provide Merricks and her players with plenty of positives to take forward.
Hurtré was once again Birmingham’s standout attacking performer, while Crosthwaite impressed with her energy and eye for goal. Baggaley also produced several important saves and continued her encouraging start to life in the top flight.
Ultimately, Birmingham will view the result as two points dropped rather than one gained after surrendering a two-goal advantage in the closing stages.
Nevertheless, the performance demonstrated the progress being made under Merricks and suggested there is plenty of reason for optimism as the season develops.
Birmingham City Player of the Match: Océane Hurtré
Venue: St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
Final Score: Birmingham City Women 2–2 Brighton & Hove Albion Women
Don’t forget you can join the Women’s official Supporters club by visiting – www.bcfcosc.com and then searching for women. Just £10 a season for an adult, over 65’s £8 and under 16 free ( Yes Free). Benefits include free ground tours, entry for kids to mascot and flag bearer prizes. Join at www. Bcfcosc.com and search women
Craig Courtney