Lauren James protects Chelsea unbeaten record in WSL with equaliser at Brighton

Lauren James scored a second-half equaliser as Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea maintained their unbeaten record by hitting back to scrape a 2-2 draw away to Brighton.

Blues boss Sonia Bompastor gave a debut to world-record signing Naomi Girma at Broadfield Stadium and saw her side go ahead against the run of play through a fine volley from Sandy Baltimore.

First-half goals from Marisa Olislagers and captain Vicky Losada put the fifth-placed Seagulls on course for a shock first win in seven league games, only for England forward James to salvage a point with a 61st-minute finish.

United States defender Girma, who cost a reported £900,000 from San Diego Wave in January, endured a difficult start to life in English football and was substituted moments before the visitors’ equaliser.

Having failed to win in the WSL for only the second time since French manager Bompastor succeeded Emma Hayes last summer, Chelsea sit five points clear at the top after second-placed Manchester United closed the gap by beating Leicester 2-0 in the lunchtime kick-off.

Girma started as part of four changes to the team which began the Blues’ last-gasp win over Everton a fortnight ago, while Brighton forward Fran Kirby faced her former club for the first time.

Albion were camped in opposition territory for much of the opening third of the half, only to fall behind in the 16th minute.

James’ cross from the right was flicked into the air by the head of team-mate Sjoeke Nusken before France international Baltimore brilliantly smashed the dropping ball into the top right corner.

Chelsea were fortunate to be ahead but the lead lasted just six minutes.

Netherlands wing-back Olislagers, who fell backwards over an advertising board as she prepared to take a corner early in the match, was slipped in on the left by Nikita Parris before beating Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton with a powerful drive from an acute angle.

Brighton continued to cause Bompastor’s side plenty of problems.

Parris headed narrowly over before keeper Hampton overcame some initial hesitancy to deny the onrushing Kirby, who ended her nine-year stay with Chelsea last summer, a memorable goal against her old team.

Chelsea could have few complaints about ending the first half a goal down after another costly defensive lapse.

Rachel McLauchlan burst clear down the Brighton right following a quick throw-in before delivering a low cross from unmarked skipper Losada to sidefoot home from six yards.

Bompastor responded to a below-par showing by replacing midfielder Keira Walsh with Oriane Jean-Francois for the second period.

Chelsea resumed with greater intent but were almost caught out on the counter attack.

Following a swift break, the lively Kirby breezed past Lucy Bronze before her low effort was repelled by Hampton, with Losada unable to turn home the loose ball.

Girma was replaced by Nathalie Bjorn in the 59th minute as part of a double change which also saw Mayra Ramirez come on for Nusken.

The alterations had an immediate impact as James was alert to finish on the rebound after Colombia striker Ramirez was initially denied by the foot of Seagulls keeper Melina Loeck.

Following a series of second-half stoppages, both sides were given a minimum of nine minutes of stoppage time to find a winner.

James, who scored twice on this ground last term, almost repeated the trick to snatch victory but Loeck produced an impressive save as an entertaining contest ended all square.