Shaw Strikes as Man City beat Brighton for first WSL win

Manchester City recorded their first Women's Super League victory of the season as Khadija Shaw's first-half goal helped them overcome Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Jamaica striker opened her domestic account for the campaign when converting Kerstin Casparij's cross in the 44th minute.

It was Shaw's 75th City goal in 86 appearances for the club since signing from Bordeaux in 2021.

City midfielder Jill Roord made her first appearance in eight months as a late substitute, having been sidelined since January when she ruptured her anterior cruciate knee ligament against Manchester United.

City, who were looking to bounce back after a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on the opening league weekend, failed to break through Brighton early on and could only muster half chances through Lauren Hemp and Shaw.

Minutes before breaking the deadlock, Shaw could and should have scored when dancing around Maria Thórisdóttir and goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley, before Thórisdóttir's block prevented the City forward from slotting into an empty net. On the rebound, Jess Park could only steer her effort over.

Brighton did have chances of their own that they were made to rue in the first half. Fran Kirby, who joined the Seagulls from Chelsea in the summer, was unable to test City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita from close range.

City struck following a break down the left side. Casparij's overlapping run down the left was picked out by Alex Greenwood, with the Dutch defender crossing low to find the run of Shaw, whose flick from close range was enough to take it past Baggaley.

Shaw's strike, adding to the two she scored on Thursday against Paris FC in the Women's Champions League, set the tone for a dominant display from the hosts in the second half, but lacked quality in their finishing.

Shaw, last season's WSL top scorer, came close twice. Hemp and Mary Fowler, who replaced Shaw in the final 15 minutes, also dragged efforts wide.

With 10 minutes to spare, there was a great reception from City's supporters when club-record signing Roord replaced Netherlands compatriot Vivianne Miedema.

Brighton keeper Baggaley did keep the scoreline competitive late on, making two saves to deny Hemp and Park.

The Seagulls, under new manager Dario Vidosic, managed just one shot in the second half, having been competitive during the opening 45 minutes.