Brighton made it four wins in a row with victory at relegation-threatened Aston Villa to move into the top half of the Women's Super League.

In an even first half, Aileen Whelan bundled in the opener after Lisa Weiss failed to hold Megan Connolly's shot.

Villa made a few half-chances, Shania Hayles cutting inside and shooting just wide from Maya Iwabuchi's pass.

But Albion sealed the points when Inessa Kaagman scored from the spot after Kayleigh Green was brought down.

Hope Powell's visitors are now well clear of relegation trouble in sixth, but 10th-placed Villa are now just a point from safety after West Ham drew with Birmingham to move off the bottom of the table.

Defender Ella Franklin-Fraiture made her first start in three months for Marcus Bignot's side who have now lost their past three WSL matches without scoring.