Women's Super League: Birmingham beat Chelsea

A sensational goal by Birmingham midfielder Jo Potter wrapped up a 2-1 Women's Super League win against Chelsea.

After striker Isobel Christiansen had put the West Midlands side ahead, former England international Potter drilled home a ferocious drive from 35 yards.

Both goals came in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but the closing stages were tense after a fine 72nd-minute strike by Chelsea substitute Hannah Blundell.

In an evenly contested first half, Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford had to make early saves from right winger Kirsty Linnett and left-back Kerys Harrop.

But after Birmingham keeper Marie Hourihan had to turn aside Swedish striker Sofia Jacobsson's close-range effort, Chelsea pushed hard for an opening goal.

Jacobsson's strike partners Helen Ward and Eni Aluko both went close, Hourihan denying Ward then former Birmingham player Aluko having a shot blocked.

Just 12 seconds into the second half, however, Chelsea went behind as Christiansen raced on to a Linnett pass to score from a tight angle.

And the lead was doubled in the 55th minute, Potter pouncing on a loose ball to fire in what will be a strong goal of the season contender.

Chelsea were rocked, but they quickly recovered to hit back and they halved the deficit with a superb goal of their own.

Left-back Blundell had been on the pitch only two minutes when she cut in from the touchline to drive a 20-yard shot into the far corner of the net.

Following the goal the visitors battled hard for an equaliser, but Birmingham held out to record their first WSL win of the season.