Nikita Parris scored eight goals for Manchester United in the WSL last season
Brighton continued their impressive form as they moved up to third in the Women's Super League with a dominant performance against Leicester.
Nikita Parris maintained her purple patch in front of goal as she scored for the third game running for the first time since October 2018.
The 30-year-old showed her poacher's instinct in the 20th minute when she reacted first to head in Jorelyn Carabali's powerful cross.
Brighton boss Dario Vidosic praised his side after the game: "Even though I'm possession-based, we concentrate a lot defensively.
"We tried to attack with the ball and to also defend with the ball and then that way we were solid. I thought we looked really solid even when a lot was thrown at us.
"We're just learning, trying to evolve and get better, but we know we've got a tough test on Friday and I'm sure we're all looking forward to that one."
The Seagulls started the second half on the front foot too and Parris almost netted her second after fine interplay with talented midfielder Vicky Losada.
There was concern from the visitors' bench on the hour mark when midfielder Sam Tierney required a stretcher after injuring her ankle in a challenge with Poppy Pattinson.
Despite falling behind early on, Leicester, who remain eighth, failed to trouble Brighton keeper Sophie Baggaley and ended the match with just one effort on goal.
The success for the home side - who briefly went second but dropped a place after Chelsea's thumping win at Everton - capped a brilliant few days for Vidosic after he was named WSL Manager of the Month for October.
Next up for the Seagulls is a testing trip to Arsenal on Friday, 8 November, before Leicester visit winless West Ham two days later.
Parris puts herself back in England contention
After watching England's friendly loss to Germany and the narrow victory over South Africa, you get the feeling it would not be a bad thing adding an in-form striker to the Lionesses ranks.
While Arsenal pair Alessia Russo and Beth Mead have looked short of form and confidence, it has been the opposite for Parris with her recent scoring streak.
Capped 71 times, she has not featured for Sarina Wiegman's side since September 2022, but is doing everything she can to force her way back into contention for Euro 2025.
Brighton, who are enjoying an impressive season so far, are reliant on Parris hustling the opposition backline as she did in the win over Leicester.
The summer signing from Manchester United constantly found space between the Foxes defenders and reacted quickest to head the winner.
Parris also showed her versatility in the second half when she used her pace to break beyond the backline.
Wiegman may not currently have a place for Parris in the squad, but the England coach may find it hard to ignore the forward if she maintains this fine form.
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