Mixed Fortunes: Leandra Little scored for Lincoln and was then sent off

From a Birmingham City perspective, you could call 2011 something of a rollercoaster year. Although it would probably be more accurate to say that since their Carling Cup win in February, the lows have got lower and the highs have become all the more infrequent.

An appalling league run culminated in a heartbreaking last day relegation, their manager then quits to move to their bitter rivals and currently, owner Carson Yeung is facing criminal charges in his native Hong Kong. What the fans wouldn’t give for a slice of the stability currently being enjoyed by their ladies team.

The Blues girls have led the way in the WSL since their opening day thrashing of Bristol. Wins against traditional heavyweights Arsenal and Everton strengthened their position at the top, and this week they claimed four points from two away games to move a step closer to landing the inaugural Super League title.

After their late 3-2 victory down at Bristol on Wednesday, they travelled north to claim a hard fought point against Lincoln, in a game that wasn’t short of incident.

Leandra Little headed the home side in front, only for the league’s top scorer, Rachel Williams, to equalise for Blues from the penalty spot. Later, Little and Birmingham’s Heather Scheuber were both sent off – the first ever WSL dismissals.

Elsewhere in the league, Everton have continued their impressive run of form with their fourth successive win – a 3-1 triumph at home to Arsenal. Michelle Hinnigan, Amy Kane and Toni Duggan all scored for the Toffees to cancel out Ellen White’s early opener.

Everton now sit eight points behind Birmingham – who lead Arsenal by five – and have a game in hand, giving extra importance to the clash between the two teams at Stratford on Wednesday.

Chelsea sit a point behind Everton after they secured their first home win of the season against a dogged Doncaster side. Sophie Perry and Ashlee Hincks scored for the Londoners, ensuring that Kasia Lipka’s reply was a mere consolation for Donny.

At the bottom, Liverpool still remain winless after a Jess Fishlock double gave Bristol Academy all three points at Skelmersdale. The Welsh striker earned and scored a penalty in the first half before turning home Anouk Hoogendijk’s cross to wrap up the win 20 minutes from time.

The Reds have what they will see as a golden chance to secure that first win when they play second bottom Doncaster at home on Wednesday night, while Arsenal host Lincoln the following evening.