The Blues took the lead when Ellen White latched on to Lucy Staniforth's chipped ball and her powerful shot squirmed past Sophie Harris.

But Kayleigh Green headed home Aileen Whelan's cross to draw the Seagulls level just three minutes later.

Ellie Brazil nodded in a corner from Megan Connolly to move Brighton nine points clear of bottom club Yeovil.

Hope Powell's Albion are in their first top-flight campaign but their hopes of securing a second season in the WSL will have been boosted by a crucial victory.

The Glovers have played two games fewer than the Sussex side, but have won just once this season, and they host the Seagulls on Wednesday, 13 March.

Birmingham suffered a third defeat in five league games and now trail third-placed Chelsea by four points.