Kiko Seike's early strike proved the difference as Brighton returned from the international break with a win at London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League.

While the hosts were arguably the better side throughout, they were made to rue missed chances and poor defensive work as Brighton sealed victory to move one point behind London City in the table.

The game's only goal came as a result of a mix-up from the hosts as they tried to play out from the back, allowing Rosa Kafaji to intercept and spark a counter-attack which Seike finished off.

Brighton had chances to extend their lead, and should have done so from the penalty spot after Wassa Sangare tripped Madison Haley - but Elene Lete dived the correct way and turned Haley's effort around the post.

The hosts responded well to going behind, producing fluid attacking moves and managing to build pressure in Brighton's half, but were unable to make their efforts count.

Freya Godfrey sent an excellent curling effort narrowly wide for the hosts and Jana Fernandez had a shot cleared by a last-ditch interception.

The Seagulls nearly doubled their lead shortly after the break when Elena Linari cleared a cross off the line and Lete was forced to react quickly to collect the ball amid a goalmouth scramble.

The visitors set up in a more compact fashion late on to blunt London City, who were unable to find a way past Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Defeat at home to Brighton had a familiar taste for London City.

Once again, it was arguably avoidable.

They chalked up 14 shots to Brighton's eight, with five on target compared to Brighton's three, and spent enough time with control in the visitors' third to be able to have pulled one back.

Potentially worrisome for manager Jocelyn Precheur will be his side's sloppiness at the back, with them giving the ball away to allow Brighton to produce the counter-attack which led to their early goal.

While they were not punished for conceding a penalty, they have now conceded six this season in just 10 league games, more than any other team in the division.

Their troubles at the back are clear in the number of goals they have conceded this season - 20 in 10 matches, just two fewer than second-bottom West Ham.

London City will feel that there was much they could have done to avoided defeat, but there were also positives to take for Brighton as they battled well to secure victory.

Goalkeeper Nnadozie's efforts helped make the difference, proving a steady pair of hands when called upon to make saves and audaciously coming out as a sweeper-keeper to clear the ball when required.

Much praise will also be given to defender Caitlin Hayes, who put in a determined performance to make important interceptions and keep London City out of their box.

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