Hat-trick for Aluko as Chelsea Ladies score seven in friendly

Eni Aluko scored a hat-trick as Chelsea Ladies warmed up for the new Women’s Super League season with a 7-1 friendly win over Bristol City on Sunday.

Fran Kirby and new signing Bethany England also chipped in with two apiece as Chelsea won comfortably even without some of their internationals.

City fielded Rosella Ayane, Jodie Brett and Millie Farrow, who are all on loan from Chelsea, and it was Farrow who opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a spectacular chip.

The Blues equalised five minutes later as Kirby set up Aluko and the same pair combined for the second goal, with a neat exchange of passes before Aluko smashed home.

Kirby got herself on the scoresheet on 24 minutes and netted again just before the break with a sweetly struck volley from Hannah Blundell’s delivery.

England scored her first goal for the club just after half-time, before Aluko completed her hat-trick from Karen Carney’s pass.

England completed the rout late in the game after being sent clear by Drew Spence.

Chelsea Ladies will begin their defence of the Women’s Super League title on 24 March, with a trip to Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Before that, they face the same side in the fifth round of the FA Women’s Cup on 20 March.