Chioma Ubogagu’s second-half strike lifted Arsenal to second in The FA WSL 1 table and extended Birmingham City’s frustrations in front of their own fans.
Birmingham, who have failed to score at home in the league all season, put up a hugely spirited showing and went close to gaining a fine point despite losing Freda Ayisi to a red card before the interval.
Birmingham City 0-1 Arsenal
The FA Women's Super League with BT Sport
6pm, Sunday 19 July 2015
Solihull Moors FC
Live on BT Sport
By Charlie Talbot-Smith
It was the home side who made the brighter start with Kerys Harrop and Jade Moore both unable to make the most of headed opportunities from Jo Potter free-kicks inside the opening 10 minutes.
But they suffered a major blow on the stroke of half time when striker Ayisi was sent off for a second yellow card within a couple of minutes following an over-the-top challenge on Leah Williamson.
Arsenal’s away day specialist Ubogagu calmly slotted her side into a 53rd minute lead after neatly exchanging passes with Natalia Pablos and it was the young winger’s fourth goal for the Gunners on their travels.
Blues skipper Karen Carney increasingly provided the spirited hosts with their chief threat throughout. Her dazzling right-wing run and cross was bundled against the post by Remi Allen in the 65th minute, before substitute Kirsty Linnett volleyed the rebound over.
The game's late chances mostly went Arsenal's way though, with keeper Rebecca Spencer making a fine save to deny substitute Danielle Carter five minutes from the end.
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Birmingham City (4-3-3): Rebecca Spencer; Meaghan Sargeant, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop, Jess Carter; Remi Allen, Jade Moore, Jo Potter (Kirsty Linnett 46, Charlie Wellings 87); Karen Carney, Freda Ayisi, Mel Lawley
Subs not used: Cheryl Edwards, Emily Westwood, Alex Windell, Coral Haines, Chloe Peplow
Bookings: Ayisi (40) + (45)
Red cards: Freda Ayisi (45)
Arsenal (4-3-3): Emma Byrne; Alex Scott (Danielle Carter 46) Jemma Rose, Casey Stoney, Emma Mitchell; Leah Williamson, Vicky Losada (Jade Bailey 77) Dominique Janssen; Marta Corridra Natalia Pablos (Rachel Yankey 73) Chioma Ubogagu
Subs not used: Sari Van Veneedal, Carla Humphrey, Chloe Kelly, Evie Clarke
Goal: Chioma Ubogagu (53)
Bookings: Marta Carridra (12), Rachel Yankey (90)
Red cards:
Attendance: 1,278
Referee: Ollie Yates
