The Spanish international opened the scoring in the behind closed doors game at the Academy Stadium, where Hayley Raso and young Lois Marley Paraskevas were also on target against Hope Powell’s side, who netted a consolation goal in the closing stages.
With fellow Spaniard Leila Ouahabi making her first appearance for the Club, and Filippa Angeldahl and Khadija Shaw also returning from their summer commitments with Sweden and Jamaica respectively, Gareth Taylor was able to name a strong side against the Seagulls.
The City boss fielded numerous youngsters in our win over Durham a fortnight ago and it was a similar scenario in last week’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, but the returning internationals gave the hosts a comfortable victory this time out.
After a goalless first half, Aleixandri fired City in front from close range as she reacted quickest to turn in the rebound after Shaw’s header from a set-piece was saved by the Brighton goalkeeper.
Raso doubled the lead with a fine solo effort, racing clear of the opposition defence on a powerful 30-yard run before coolly converting into the bottom corner.
16-year-old Marley-Paraskevas completed City’s scoring on the afternoon with a third before the visitors replied late on.
This was City’s third of four pre-season friendlies and the last one before our Champions League qualifier against Tomiris-Turan on Thursday 18 August.
Taylor’s side then face Liverpool on Saturday 27 August in our final warm-up game ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
Starting XI: MacIver, Morgan, Houghton, Aleixandri, Ouahabi, Coombs, Angeldahl, Fowler, Raso, Shaw, Blakstad.
