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We only had one WSL game today, but what a day it was for Fran Kirby.

The England international struck a perfect hat-trick in the first half against Reading, and grabbed a fourth after the break in a commanding performance by defending champions Chelsea.

After coming back from injury and illness, Kirby is getting back to her best.

That's all for our coverage. Do join us next Sunday for what may be a critical weekend in the race for the WSL title.

That victory takes Chelsea up to second in the table, three points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.

That sets up a cracking fixtures next Sunday.

The Blues host the Red Devils at Kingsmeadow in a game which could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the WSL title.

Emma Hayes' side have boosted their goal difference this afternoon to +23 - five better than United.

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Fran Kirby inspires Chelsea to a comfortable victory over the Royals, netting four goals against her former club.

The Blues have now won seven of their opening nine WSL games this season, and stretch their unbeaten run to 30 league games.

Reading have one win in their past eight WSL outings.

Chelsea centre-back Sophie Ingle hooks a corner towards the Reading goal, but it's deflected behind for another corner.

The Blues are still pushing for another goal in the closing stages.

Into four added minutes at the Madejski Stadium.

It's damage limitation now for Reading.

Bethany England has a sniff at goal in the closing stages, but Reading centre-back Molly Bartip does enough to put the striker off and win a free-kick.

Ji So-Yun goes at goal and looks to curl it into the bottom right-hand corner.

The ball drifts narrowly wide, although Royals keeper Grace Moloney didn't look too concerned by it.

Bethany England is tripped by Deanna Cooper some 25 yards out from the Reading goal.

It's pretty central and Magdalena Eriksson and Ji So-Yun are weighing this one up.

The ball is played forward to Bethany England inside the Reading box, but it's won't come down quick enough for the Chelsea striker to get a shot away.

Another change by the hosts as forward Danielle Carter comes on for defender Emma Mitchell.

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Fine save by Reading keeper Grace Moloney.

A perfectly-weighted through ball by Ji So-Yun sets Pernille Harder through on goal.

The Dane looks to lift the ball over the keeper but Moloney stands up tall and parries the ball away.

Chelsea are pinging the ball around now.

The visitors are in complete control and could yet add to their goal tally in the closing stages.

Lily Woodham can't continue and Molly Bartrip takes her place in the Reading defence.

Double change for Chelsea.

Magdalena Eriksson replaces Jonna Andersson in defence.

Pernille Harder comes on for Niamh Charles in the forward line.

In the meantime, Reading left-back Lily Woodham needs some treatment on an injury.

Fran Kirby is on the ball inside the Reading box and it looks like she'll shoot at goal in a bid for a fifth goal.

She cuts the ball back instead but Ji So-Yun can't get on the end of it.

Reading striker Natasha Harding is played in one-on-one with Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

The German gets down to Harding's feet and gets a hand on the ball.

The offside flag is up anyway.

Reading have had a bit more threat about them in the past 10 minutes, being more combative in midfield and asking a few questions of the Chelsea defence.

The problem for the Royals is it's come too late.

As close as Reading have come to a goal today.

A low cross from the left goes through the legs of Chelsea centre-back Mille Bright.

But the Reading player lucking in the six-yard box can't make the most of the error and Bright recovers before smuggling the ball away.

Triple change for Chelsea.

Beth England replaces Sam Kerr up front, Ji So-Yun comes on for Erin Cuthbert and Jessie Fleming is on for Guro Reiten.