Two for Kirby as Chelsea Ladies beat Arsenal

Fran Kirby scored both goals for Chelsea Ladies as the champions won 2-0 at Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.

Kirby pounced on a mistake by defender Jemma Rose to open the scoring after 17 minutes at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park ground.

And the England forward struck again 10 minutes from the end, rifling home the loose ball after Drew Spence’s shot had been cleared off the line.

Chelsea were gifted the opening goal when Rose failed to clear after Kirby had latched onto a long punt forward and lifted the ball over keeper Sari van Veenendaal.

Rose had time to clear the danger from inside the six-yard box but hesitated for too long, allowing Kirby to race in behind her and bundle the ball into net.

The visitors were on top for much of the rest of the first half, appealing in vain for a penalty after Karen Carney went down in the area and then going close when Gemma Davison and Spence missed the target.

Chelsea had to absorb some pressure in the second half, though, and keeper Hedvig Lindahl produced important saves to deny Asisat Oshoala and Jordan Nobbs.

But when Arsenal were unable to clear a corner, Kirby sealed a victory that leaves her team top of the table with maximum points after their opening two matches of the season.

The two sides will meet again at Wembley on 14 May in the Women’s FA Cup final.