At a glance
- Sophie Baggaley made first WSL appearance since January in late 2-1 loss
- Baggaley gifted winner as Spurs complete comeback in stoppage time
- Nigerian Chiamaka Nnadozie has cemented number one spot after summer arrival
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic admits that Sophie Baggaley was ‘fully deserving’ of a place in the starting 11, despite gifting Spurs a late winner in the 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium.
Baggaley was recalled to the line-up for the first time in the WSL since Albion’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa back in January.
Vidosic praised Baggaley’s mentality, after she has been overlooked by Nigerian international Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Vidosic says Baggaley been doing ‘fantastically well’ in pursuit to reclaim Brighton number one spot
Speaking to ReadBrighton, Vidosic said: “It’s a lot harder to throughout the season to make a change for a goalkeeper, so she has been doing fantastically well.
“She’s been training really well but it’s been hard to come by those opportunities. I thought today was a good chance to give her a chance.”
However, Vidosic also explained how Nnadozie wasn’t risked due to a ‘little niggle we wanted to look after’.
This comes in preparation of Albion’s first ever FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley stadium in two weeks time.
Vidosic expects Nnadozie to be fit, but relishes the competition between the pair.
He continued: “We’ve got two goalkeepers that are ready and that have had their minutes.
“They are both ready for whatever comes in the next two weeks.”
Not a farewell appearance, Vidosic says
Despite only making two appearances in all competitions prior to this game, Vidosic claims that this was not a ‘farewell’ for Baggaley.
The English shot-stopper has been with the club since 2023, making 44 appearances in that time.
However, it was a mixed game for Baggaley in the 2-1 home defeat to Spurs, ultimately making a decisive error as the visitors completed a late comeback.
Baggaley closed down a through ball, but could only find Spurs defender Toko Koga with her clearance.
The goalkeeper was then left stranded as the Japanese international fired into an empty net from all of 30 yards.
Despite the mistake, Baggaley made some top saves, whilst also looking assured claiming crosses and in her distribution.
An interesting summer looms for Baggaley, as she might look for a move elsewhere in pursuit of being number one.
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