Brighton 2-2 Leicester: Late Terland brace earns draw

Brighton staged a dramatic recovery as Elisabeth Terland struck twice late on to secure a 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Women’s Super League.

Lena Petermann and Jutta Rantala produced exquisite finishes either side of the interval at Broadwood Stadium to boost Leicester’s hopes of a first win in seven attempts.

But Terland cut the deficit with a composed finish after 82 minutes before heading a leveller as the clock ticked towards the final seconds of normal time.

Terland had the opportunity to complete her hat-trick halfway through 11 minutes of stoppage time, but the Norwegian striker shot wide with the goal at her mercy.

Brighton had the ball in the net inside the opening minute but Terland had strayed into an offside position.

Leicester threatened for the first time after 12 minutes when Janice Cayman delivered a fine cross from the left and Petermann planted her header wide.

The Foxes were similarly fortunate when Maria Thorisdottir, seeking her first Brighton goal, was inches away from connecting with Maisie Symonds’ free-kick.

There were also appeals for a home penalty as Seagulls defender Guro Bergsvand and marker Julie Thibaud both tumbled under a high ball in the Leicester penalty area.

But the free-kick went Leicester’s way and Brighton suffered further frustration as Terland was unable to capitalise on a neat spin by firing straight at Janina Leitzig in the visitors’ goal.

An even first half seemed set to end goalless but, in the final minute, Leitzig’s long kick was headed on by Petermann.

Emma Kullberg went to clear but the persistent Petermann got in the way and unleashed a vicious left-footed drive for her third WSL goal of the season.

Brighton felt Petermann had used her arm to block Kullberg’s clearance, but their claims were waved away by referee Melissa Burgin.

It got even worse for Brighton within 20 seconds of the restart as Sam Tierney set up Rantala to produce a fine curling effort into the top corner of Sophie Baggaley’s net.

Leicester were managing the game well and slowing down the tempo, but Brighton received a late lifeline out of nowhere.

Terland raced onto Thorisdottir’s punt forward and kept her composure to slide the ball past Leitzig.

Poppy Pattinson then broke free down the left and spotted the unmarked Terland, who headed home her seventh goal at the near post.

Neither side could find the winner in a thrilling finale with Pauline Bremer almost winning it for Brighton with the final kick of the contest.