WSL Sunday round-up: City thump Hammers to go second

WSL Sunday round-up: City thump Hammers to go second

Manchester City moved up to second in the Women's Super League by thumping West Ham 6-2 at the Academy Stadium. 

Chloe Kelly netted a quickfire brace to put City 2-0 up inside seven minutes and, after Emma Snerle's reply, Laura Coombs made it 3-1 heading into the break.

WSL top scorer Khadija Shaw added her 17th league goal of the campaign just past the hour and skipper Steph Houghton marked her 35th birthday soon afterwards by making it 5-1. 

Lisa Evans subsequently notched West Ham's second before City sub Mary Fowler completed the scoring as the hosts moved to within three points of leaders Manchester United. 

Champions Chelsea are a point behind Gareth Taylor's team in third, with two games in hand over the Manchester clubs, while Arsenal are a further two points back in fourth having played one match less than the top two. 

Precious point

Earlier in the day, Tottenham and Aston Villa played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Brisbane Road. 

Goals from Kirsty Hanson and Rachel Daly put Villa two up inside 21 minutes but Spurs were level just after half-time thanks to a double from Eveliina Summanen. 

The relegation-threatened hosts took the lead in the 59th minute through Bethany England but Daly earned a point for fifth-placed Villa in the 84th minute with her 15th league goal this term. 

Toffees battle back

Struggling Reading appeared destined for three valuable points when they went two up at home to Everton early on but the visitors fought back to win 3-2. 

Justine Vanhaevermaet netted from the penalty spot in the second minute before adding a second after 17 minutes. 

Everton's fightback began four minutes before half-time when Hanna Bennison scored. 

Katja Snoeijs equalised from the spot and the winner came seven minutes from time through Nicoline Sorensen. 

Reds down Seagulls

Liverpool also came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Brighton

Elisabeth Terland put the Seagulls ahead but Ceri Holland grabbed a second-half double. 

Promotion party

Bristol City sealed promotion back to the WSL as they claimed the Championship title with a 4-0 win over Charlton at Ashton Gate. 

In front of a record crowd of 7,045, the Robins led at half-time thanks to Grace Clinton’s 25th-minute opener. 

Abi Harrison's goal direct from a corner extended the lead just after the break and Brooke Aspin and Ffion Morgan added late efforts for Lauren Smith's side.

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