Liverpool FC Women were edged out 1-0 by Brighton and Hove Albion in their first Women's Super League fixture of 2020 on Sunday.

Vicky Jepson’s side, including debutant Rachel Furness, were on the front foot during the opening 45 minutes and went closest to breaking the deadlock midway through the half.

Rinsola Babajide, leading the line for the Reds, stole possession in the opposition box and sent in a strike that was inches wide of the post.

But instead it was Brighton who produced what proved to be the decisive goal shortly after the half-hour mark.

A deep, hanging cross from the left touchline was turned back into the middle of the Liverpool area and Aileen Whelan nudged a finish past Frances Kitching.

Jade Bailey saw a corner hit the post before the break and Jepson’s side continued to press for an equaliser throughout the second half.

Babajide spurned a promising chance when she got in behind the Brighton defence from Melissa Lawley’s pass, the forward foiled by Megan Walsh as she rushed from goal.

Niamh Fahey did have the ball in the net with two minutes of normal time remaining but a raised flag for offside chalked off the effort and consigned the Reds to defeat.

Liverpool FC Women: Kitching, Jane, Bradley-Auckland, Fahey, Robe, Bailey, Furness, Lawley, Linnett (Roberts, 46), Charles, Babajide.

Unused substitutes: Preuss, Sweetman-Kirk, Murray, Hodson, Rodgers, Kearns.