Aluko strikes as Chelsea Ladies held by Birmingham

Substitute Eni Aluko netted an equaliser as Chelsea Ladies drew 1-1 with Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.

Both goals came early in the second half, with Birmingham taking the lead through Freda Ayisi before Aluko – brought on as a response – levelled a few minutes later.

During a first half in which neither side grabbed the initiative, Chelsea’s Millie Bright forced a save from Birmingham keeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who dealt comfortably with what the home side had to offer.

The visitors then took the lead when a pass from Chelsea’s Jade Bailey was presented to Ayisi, who finished past Hedvig Lindahl.

Aluko was immediately introduced and she was to have the perfect impact as she was sent clear by Ji So-yun before sliding the ball home.

Gemma Davison fired narrowly wide but Chelsea were unable to break Birmingham down, and they ended the game with 10 men when Katie Chapman received her second booking of the game.