Crawley Wasps sign former Brighton '˜keeper Leah Samain

The 21-year-old joins on dual registration from Worthing Ladies, as back-up to regular first team ‘keeper Frankie Gibbs.

She left Brighton last summer and was briefly with Lewes, before switching to hometown club Worthing to enable her to focus on her coaching role with Albion in the Community (AITC).

“I’m delighted to have joined an up-and-coming squad”, said Samain.

“With the dual-signing, I get the best of both worlds – full-time coaching with Brighton and hopefully playing at a good level for as long as possible.”

Wasps manager Paul Walker added: “This dual-signing gives us another very capable ‘keeper to provide back-up to Frankie.

“Leah is proven at a higher level and for us it’s another quality signing. I am delighted that she has chosen to join us.”

Samain played against Wasps for Brighton in last season’s Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup final, making superb saves to deny Naomi Cole and Rosanne Fine as Albion won 5-1.

She will, however, be ineligible for this year’s showpiece, when Wasps face Lewes on March 22, having played for Worthing earlier in the competition.

Topaz Luxford and Abi Knight were the stars of the show in front of goal as Crawley Wasps Development took four points from a 4-1 victory in a double-header with Rustington Raiders on Sunday.

The games in the Sussex Women’s League were switched at the last minute to Wasps’ home ground at Ewhurst Playing Fields.

Meanwhile, Wasps first team put in a creditable performance in a friendly against FA Women’s Premier League side West Ham, despite a 3-0 defeat.

The Hammers held a 1-0 lead at the break and Wasps keeper Frankie Gibbs made several good saves to keep the score down, until the hosts scored twice late-on.

Wasps Under-16s play Eastbourne Girls in the Sussex Cup final this Sunday (March 4), at Culver Road, Lancing. Kick-off is 7.15pm.