Kirby scores again as Chelsea Women beat Everton

Chelsea maintained their two-point lead over title rivals Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League table with a routine 3-0 win away at Everton.

Goals from Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder and Melanie Leupolz secured a key three points for a Chelsea side full of confidence after their thumping 6-0 Coninetal Cup final win over Bristol City on Sunday.

The visitors dominated the first half, and Everton keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela was called into action inside the first 90 seconds when Megan Finnigan conceded a penalty for handball inside the box.

However, the Finland international produced a fantastic diving stop to keep out Leupolz’s spot-kick.

Emma Hayes’ side refused to let that early setback deter them in the early stages as Kirby latched onto Sam Kerr’s clever through-ball to fire them in front on 13 minutes.

Korpela continued her excellent showing before the break with an instinctive stop to deny Harder, before Erin Cuthbert strode forward and cannoned a long-range effort against the bar.

Willie Kirk’s Everton did improve after the restart, with Ann-Katrin Berger reacting smartly to tip Claire Emslie’s volley over the bar.

But Chelsea were quick to reassert their dominance as Harder slotted home Kirby’s cushioned lay off inside the six-yard box on the hour mark.

The hosts did almost drag themselves back into contention in the closing stages, as Valerie Gauvin’s looping header was deflected just over the bar.

But German international Leupolz atoned for her penalty miss as she scrambled home Kirby’s deep free kick with ten minutes to go, to seal the victory.

The victory means Chelsea are two points ahead of City with five games remaining.

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