Claire Rafferty was on target for Chelsea

After five straight victories, Birmingham’s perfect start to the WSL finally came to an end this weekend as they were held to a draw by Chelsea.

It could have been worse for Birmingham, as England left-back Claire Rafferty had put the home side ahead with just 15 minutes left on the clock. However, for all their attacking quality and flair, Birmingham proved again that they also possess a huge amount of character, and they were able to level through Kerys Harrop’s third strike of the season.

Elsewhere, Arsenal were able to reduce the gap on the runaway leaders as they defeated Doncaster Belles. Despite claiming their first victory at the Keepmoat against Liverpool earlier in the week, the Belles couldn’t live with Arsenal’s quality and the Londoners ran out comfortable winners.

A double from Kim Little and a header from England striker Ellen White handed the Gunners a 3-0 victory, and ensured they closed the gap at the top to four points, having played a game less than leaders Birmingham.

Merseyside’s miserable start to the campaign also continues with both Everton and Liverpool remaining winless. Both squandered chances in home fixtures with Everton held to a goalless draw by FA Cup finalists Bristol Academy, while Liverpool are marooned at the bottom of the table after losing the basement battle against Lincoln.

Lucy Staniforth’s late header gave the Imps their first win of the season, but not before both teams had struck the bar twice in a tense affair at Skelmersdale.

Next week sees the final round of fixtures before the league breaks to allow the national team time to prepare for the World Cup. Everton travel to Doncaster, top take on bottom in Birmingham as Liverpool are the visitors, Lincoln host Chelsea and the F.A Cup finalists Arsenal and Bristol meet each other at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.