Liverpool's Olivia Smith has now scored nine goals in her debut WSL season
Liverpool staved off Brighton's hopes of a comeback to leapfrog the Seagulls in the Women's Super League with victory at Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds dominated the first half and, despite Brighton having the better of the second 45 minutes, the two-goal deficit was too much to overcome as they fell to their third consecutive league defeat.
Canada international Olivia Smith scored after less than 90 seconds before Leanne Kiernan doubled the visitors' lead shortly before half-time.
Michelle Agyemang got one back soon after the restart to give the Seagulls belief but the Reds saw off their attacks to move into fifth place.
Brighton drop to sixth as Dario Vidosic's team continue their slide after a bright start to the 2024-25 season.
Interim boss Amber Whiteley's Liverpool team showed no signs of being disheartened by their elimination from the FA Cup by Chelsea last week and were ahead within a matter of minutes in Sussex.
Smith netted after Ceri Holland's pinpoint pass and was a constant threat during the first 45 minutes.
Brighton lacked sharpness and Liverpool's second goal came from a Seagulls error, as a loose pass from Marit Auee was pounced on and Holland assisted for Kiernan at the back post.
The home side never looked like troubling Liverpool in the first half but Kiko Seike made an immediate impact after the restart, crossing for Agyemang to score.
The hosts initially appeared to have belief they could come back but, apart for an off-target volley from Fran Kirby and another shot by Agyemang, this optimism fizzled out.
Liverpool saw out the remainder of the game to end their run of three losses in all competitions, while Brighton are yet to record a WSL win at home since November.
'Too early' to know extent of Smith injury
Olivia Smith is enjoying a standout season with Liverpool since signing for the Merseyside club in the summer
Brighton could not live with Smith's pace and the midfielder got off to a flying start, scoring Liverpool's quickest goal this season.
The Reds' record signing was forced off with an injury on 51 minutes after a succession of fouls on the 20-year-old.
Seagulls defender Poppy Pattinson caught the winger late with a cynical sliding challenge, and Smith received treatment before being taken off.
Whiteley said after the game: "It's too early at the moment. We'll see how she is after a proper assessment and go from there."
When Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 in January, then Reds manager Matt Beard said the winger was "going to get hurt" if she was not protected more by officials.
Smith scored at Chelsea in the FA Cup defeat last weekend, after returning from a hip injury.
