Jordan Nobbs netted a hat-trick as Aston Villa recorded an impressive 6-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Broadfield Stadium this afternoon.
The Villans earned their redemption after a frustrating 1-1 draw against the same opponents in the reverse fixture last week. It was some performance from Carla Ward’s side who bounced back in real style after falling behind early in the game in Crawley.
A sprightly start from the home side gave them that early lead as Katie Robinson won her side a corner which Julia Zigiotti Olme capitalised on, sliding the ball past Hannah Hampton after just three minutes. From that point, the game swiftly went downhill for the home side.
Aston Villa responded and they turned the game on its head with two goals in as many minutes. First, Lucy Staniforth found the back of the Brighton & Hove Albion net, earning herself her first goal in a claret and blue shirt. Moments later, a nice link-up between Nobbs and Kenza Dali gifted Kirsty Hanson the opportunity to tap the ball home.
Nobbs then made it 3-1 with a glorious strike. Like teammate Staniforth, it was her first Aston Villa goal since moving to the club last month.
Brighton & Hove Albion were struggling massively to contain Hanson, who was making perfect use of the flanks to open up play for Aston Villa. She was the provider for The Villans’ fourth goal which was scored by Rachel Daly, despite numerous calls for offside from the opposition.
Aston Villa would go into the break 5-1 up. Nobbs was presented with an opportunity and she took full advantage, slipping the ball past an advancing Lydia Williams and into the back of the net. It was another example of poor defending from the hosts and it was turning out to be a very tough debut for Australian international keeper Williams.
Within minutes of the restart, Brighton & Hove Albion won a penalty when Lee Geum-min was brought down inside the box. Substitute Danielle Carter slotted the ball into the net from 12 yards, giving The Seagulls a much-needed boost.
With just over 20 minutes left to play, Nobbs completed her hat-trick and wowed the 2,593 fans who were in attendance with a very impressive strike from 30 yards.
Nobbs’ stunner was to be the final goal of the game with Aston Villa ending the contest deserved 6-2 winners.
After the international break, the Vitality Women’s FA Cup returns with Brighton & Hove Albion facing Coventry United and Aston Villa travelling to West Ham United in the fifth round.
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