Foxes Record Huge Win Against Brighton
Aileen Whelan gave City the lead before second-half goals from Sam Tierney and Monique Robinson sent the Foxes into dreamland, to collect their maiden points of the 2022/23 campaign.
Willie Kirk made three changes to the side that beat Sunderland on Wednesday evening, with Carrie Jones and new signing Janina Leitzig given the nod, to replace Ava Baker and Kirstie Levell, while midfielder Tierney was brought in to replace the injured Abbie McManus.
Leicester started the game stronger as they looked to play positive football down the wings, and created the first opening on the match less than 10 minutes in.
Good hold-up play from Missy Goodwin allowed Jemma Purfield the opportunity to slide the ball into the path of Hannah Cain, who hit a powerful effort towards goal but saw it curl the wrong side of the post.
Over the next 20 minutes, City continued to find good fortune down the left wing, particularly with Goodwin, who was giving the Brighton right-back a tough time, with her weaving runs. However, after multiple chances to test Megan Walsh in the away net, the Brighton defence stood firm, preventing any clear openings.
Towards the end of half, Leitzig was called into action on multiple occasions. The first when she rushed out to land on the ball as Brighton looked to have a golden opportunity only 10 yards out, before the 6ft German claimed a looping effort from range.
Then moments before the break, the deadlock was broken by the hosts. Incredible football on the edge of the box from the Foxes finally found its way to Whelan, who finished under Walsh to seize the initiative.
Following the restart, things got even better for the Foxes, who took a two-goal lead through Tierney. A deep free-kick from Purfield was flicked on by Whelan, into the path of the No.3 who extended Leicester's advantage.
The cushion that Tierney's goal provided was clear to see among the Foxes, who looked comfortable in possession and showed serious quality when moving the ball. This was rewarded by a third goal in the 70th minute.
Having only just come on minutes earlier, Robinson found herself on the edge of the box with an opportunity to strike towards goal, and the youngster couldn't have hit it any sweeter as the ball flew past the Brighton 'keeper into the net.
Brighton did threaten once late on with two shots within the box, but when called upon, Leitzig was there to make the stops. An impressive debut from someone who looked comfortable between Leicester's posts.
The whistle blew to the loudest cheer of the season, as the Foxes earn their first win and points of the season. A response was needed following the restart, and Kirk's side certainly provided one on Filbert Way.
Major moment - Whelan's goal
There was little to separate the two sides until Aileen Whelan found the opener just before the break. This goal spurred on a City side who played with confidence and style in the second half to get a much needed win.
Who impressed? - The Foxes
Solid at the back, ruthless up front, and a pleasure to watch all round, it's hard to pick out anyone out who didn't play their part in the deserved win against Brighton.
Where do we stand - 12th in the WSL
Leicester remain bottom of the Barclays Women's Super League, but now with points on the board - three to be exact. There's still a mountain to climb for Kirk's side, but the gap to Brighton has shrunk from seven points to four.
Coming up - Manchester City (H)
Up next for the Foxes is a final Group B match of the Continental Tyres League Cup, when they welcome Manchester City to Pirelli Stadium, on Wednesday 18 January (7pm kick-off).
The details…
City: Leitzig; Bott, Howard, Plumptre (Simon 84'), Purfield; Tierney, Pike, Whelan (C), C. Jones (Robinson 65'), Cain (Baker 73'), Goodwin (Smith 84')
Sub not used: Lambourne, Levell, Reavill.
Goals: Whelan 45', Tierney 48', Robinson 70'.
All times GMT.