Elisabeth Terland volleyed a fine late winner as Brighton edged a five-goal thriller with Leicester in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday.

Terland secured a 3-2 win for the Seagulls with just five minutes remaining at the King Power Stadium, moments after Lena Petermann had equalised for the hosts.

Leicester had struck first through Jutta Rantala early in the second half but Brighton hit back with a fortuitous Madison Haley goal and Katie Robinson strike.

The win lifted Brighton above their hosts in the table.

It was remarkable the first half ended goalless after Veatriki Sarri blasted over from six yards for Brighton and then forced a good save from Lize Kop after a breakaway.

Vicky Losada also tested Kop following a free-kick and Jorelyn Carabali saw a long-range effort palmed over.

Leicester went close when Rantala cut inside to bring a save out of Sophie Baggaley and Deanne Rose had a shot deflected across goal.

The hosts claimed the lead in the 54th minute as Rantala was picked out by Yuka Momiki and lashed a shot into the roof of the net.

It seemed harsh on Brighton after their early dominance but luck went their way for the equaliser.

A corner from Poppy Pattinson rebounded off a Leicester defender and looped towards goal, where Kop and Haley got into a tangle and the ball bounced into the net off the Seagulls substitute.

It was the first of two moments to forget for Kop in quick succession as she then gifted the ball to Julia Zigiotti, who played in Robinson to put Brighton ahead after skipping over the keeper.

Leicester looked like they might claim a point when Petermann drove home from a fine throughball by Saori Takarada six minutes from time but their celebrations were shortlived.

Terland claimed what proved the winner just a minute later.

Robinson lofted the ball into the box and Haley flicked up for Terland to meet with a well-timed volley.

Rantala had one last chance to salvage something for Leicester but Baggaley saved.