Green eyes Brighton win against West Ham and hails former Albion ace Stott’s comeback from cancer

KAYLEIGH GREEN is dreaming of a repeat of her goalscoring feat at the Amex with Brighton taking on West Ham later.  

And the versatile Wales forward hailed Rebekah Stott’s return to football following the ex-Albion defender’s brave battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma. 

Kayleigh Green (right) hopes to get on the score sheet in Brighton's WSL season-opener against West Ham

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Kayleigh Green (right) hopes to get on the score sheet in Brighton’s WSL season-opener against West HamCredit: Getty
Former Brighton centre-back Rebekah Stott returned to playing football in July

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Former Brighton centre-back Rebekah Stott returned to playing football in July

Brighton, who are in their fourth term in the top-flight, will host their first clash in front of fans at the Amex since November 2019.

And their season-opening fixture comes two months on from New Zealand ace Stott’s return to football in Australia.

In July the New Zealand player revealed she was in remission after battling with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Green, 33, said: “Seeing Rebecca back on a football pitch is great. She is a phenomenal woman.

“The courage she has shown with what she has been through is amazing. 

“The times she played for Brighton when she stepped on that pitch, you just trusted everything she did.

“Hopefully one day we will see her back here again.”

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Albion will be looking to notch up their fourth top-flight win against the Hammers since May 2019.

And Green’s team-mates will be hoping to replicate their last performance at the Seagulls’ Prem home with the team trouncing Birmingham 3-0 in front of 4,130 fans.

Green added: “I got two goals there against Birmingham.

“I’m hoping that if I get some time on the pitch, I can repeat that effort because it’s a pleasure to play there in front of the fans. 

“We’re all looking forward to having fans back as it’s been a tough 18 months for everyone 

“ And we have to be consistent in our performances and build on what we did in the past.”

Hope Powell's players have beaten West Ham in their last three encounters in the league

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Hope Powell’s players have beaten West Ham in their last three encounters in the leagueCredit: Getty

Albion’s 2:00 pm clash with the Irons comes a month after the Seagulls sealed the permanent signings of Danielle Carter and Lee Geum-min.

And the club, who tied Green down to a new one-year deal this year, boosted their attacking options with a loan swoop for Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide. 

Of Brighton’s summer signings Green said: “When I look at Rinsola I see a power player with a phenomenal left foot. 

“And Danielle Carter has got goals in her with all her experience at Arsenal and Reading.” 

Albion boss Powell added: “I think we have more quality in depth than we had last season and that is no disrespect to any of the other players. 

“Our new signings and players have come back fresh and sharp with a real desire.”

Brighton finished fifth in the WSL last term their highest position since their promotion to the league in 2018

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Brighton finished fifth in the WSL last term their highest position since their promotion to the league in 2018Credit: Reuters

Green, who harbours ambitions of becoming a police officer when she retires, is supporting the Cancer Deadline Day campaign in her spare time. 

The Wales player’s efforts are inspired by her much-loved late grandmother Christine, who passed away from pancreatic cancer nine years ago and four weeks after her diagnosis. 

Green added: “When my nan was alive she was a rock for my family and someone who always supported me within football. 

“When I used to play for Cardiff, she used to come to games and was always telling people that I played football.

“If there is anything that I can do to give back like helping with Cancer Deadline Day, then that’s something I am willing to do.” 

Albion will face a West Ham side much changed from last season with the club adding 11 new players to their ranks after parting company with 11 this year. 

Green agreed to a new deal with Brighton this summer extending her contract by one more year

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Green agreed to a new deal with Brighton this summer extending her contract by one more yearCredit: Getty

New signings include Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop who helped the Matildas finish fourth at the Tokyo Olympics.

And Irons boss Olli Harder warns Brighton will face a revitalised Hammers line-up at the Amex

Harder said: “I think you will see a lot of energy and dynamism from the team.

For us, it was about closing the previous chapter and starting a new one.

“I believe that the players that we have brought in will hopefully write themselves into a bit of West Ham history.”


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