Chelsea Ladies return to top with win at Liverpool

Gilly Flaherty celebrated the signing of her new contract with a goal as Chelsea Ladies beat Liverpool Ladies 2-1 on Wednesday.

Just hours after her fresh two-year deal was announced, the centre-back nodded in the second goal as the Blues continued their 100 per cent start to the season.

Ji So-yun put Chelsea in front with almost a quarter of an hour played, slotting home from inside the area for her sixth goal of the season.

Blues keeper Hedvig Lindahl made saves from Katie Zelem and Caroline Weir in the first half, while at the other end Flaherty headed wide and Liverpool keeper Siobhan Chamberlain denied the influential Gemma Davison.

Either side of half-time, Chelsea had to replace two key players. First, Katie Chapman came off after a clash of heads before the break, while Lindahl took a knock as she dealt with a free-kick.

The Blues continued to have chances, with Jade Bailey seeing an effort tipped behind and Fran Kirby shooting wide.

Liverpool hit the post through Shanice van de Sanden but Chelsea doubled their lead when Ana Borges’ corner was flicked on and Flaherty scored.

Weir did reduce the deficit after being played in by Niamh Charles, who was then denied an equaliser by a great save by Lindahl’s replacement Becky Spencer.