Brave Rianna Jarrett has Brighton looking up after West Ham win

Rianna Jarrett had that winning feeling after her goal sealed Brighton's second victory of the WSL with a determined 1-0 win at West Ham
Rianna Jarrett scored her first goal for Albion in a narrow 1-0 win at West HamRianna Jarrett scored her first goal for Albion in a narrow 1-0 win at West Ham
Rianna Jarrett scored her first goal for Albion in a narrow 1-0 win at West Ham

The Albion striker scored her first goal for the club with a brilliant lob and header midway through the second half as Hope Powell's team secured their first three points since the opening day of the season.

Jarrett, 26, joined the club in January from Wexford Youths but has had to be patient for her chances to shine in the top flight.

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“It's obviously a nice moment for me to get my first WSL goal but also important for the team," said the Republic of Ireland international.

“We didn't play well against Aston Villa last week but I thought we responded really positively.

"It's a big win for us and we need to build on it after the next international break because December is a busy month.”

Jarrett showed tremendous courage for her West Ham winner. She lobbed keeper Mackenzie Arnold and then bravely headed home as a Hammers defender challenged on the line.

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“I knew I was going to get hit but it was worth it," said Jarrett. "I was so determined to be first to that ball and score my first WSL goal.

“I've had to be patient and haven't always played 90 minutes so hopefully this is a sign of things to come for me.

"It's tough to win any game in the WSL so to score the goal that helped us will hopefully lead to a few more.”

Head coach Hope Powell missed the game as she continues to self-isolate but was pleased for Jarrett and the three points.

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“I don’t think we played particularly well, but we were gutsy and determined," said Powell.

“It was a great goal and a very composed finish. Rianna saw the threat of the goalkeeper coming off her line and dinked it over the player on the line as well.

"That’s what she has been brought in to do, score goals, by our own admission we don’t score enough so hopefully that will be good for her confidence going forward.”

Albion are back in action on Wednesday when they entertain Reading in the Continental Cup, kick off 7.30pm at the People's Pension Stadium

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