Brighton edge out Crystal Palace with controversial winner to continue good form

Brighton continued their strong start to the Women’s Super League season with a controversial 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Bruna Vilamala scored the only goal of the game at the VBS Community Stadium, but the hosts argued their goalkeeper Shae Yanez was fouled in the build-up.

Victory made it three wins from four games for Albion, while promoted Palace were unable to build on their maiden top-flight win at Leicester last time out.

Brighton made the breakthrough in the 38th minute through Spain striker Vilamala, on loan from Barcelona, although Palace were unhappy it was allowed to stand.

Keeper Yanez collided with Nikita Parris as she attempted to claim Jelena Cankovic’s high cross, missing the ball and allowing Vilamala to turn it home into an empty net for her first WSL goal.

Yanez was in the thick of the action again shortly after, producing a fine reaction save to keep out Fran Kirby’s shot from close range.

The American had to be alert again early in the second half to deny Vicky Losada with a diving save at full stretch.

Palace were still well in the game, though, and nearly levelled when Annabel Blanchard curled an effort just wide.

But they had a let-off when Guro Bergsvand had the ball in the net from a corner, although this time it was ruled out for a foul on Yanez.

Kiko Seike brought another good save out of Yanez as Brighton looked to kill the game off, but they had their own keeper Sophie Baggaley to thank moments later for tipping a Blanchard effort over the bar in a frantic end to the game.