Rachel Williams scores against Liverpool

Birmingham continued their impressive start to the WSL season with a second successive 4-0 win, in which Rachel Williams scored the first ever WSL hat-trick.

As with Bristol Academy last week, Liverpool just could not live with the flowing football and sublime movement of the Blues forward line. Karen Carney, Dunia Susi, Emily Westwood and Williams all shone in what turned out to be another dominant display from the Midlanders, who are showing definite signs of being able to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Everton for the title.

As for champions Arsenal, they also recorded a second win of the season, but had to work hard for their three points against F.A Cup finalists Bristol Academy.

The Gunners again had to rely on a goal from a defender to secure the victory – Jennifer Beattie following in the footsteps of last week’s matchwinner, Gilly Flaherty, by hitting the winner at Borehamwood.

Things haven’t started quite so brightly for F.A Cup holders Everton though. The Toffees were held by Liverpool last week, and this week could only manage a draw in their first home fixture against Doncaster Belles.

Looking to build on their impressive opening day victory at Lincoln, the Belles went in front early on through Precious Hamilton, but – just as she had done the week before – Natasha Dowie salvaged a point for Mo Marley’s Everton.

The other game this week saw Chelsea and Lincoln each register their first point of the campaign as they played out a 1-1 draw. Carla Cantrell gave Lincoln the lead in the first half, but an improved second half showing from Chelsea saw them rescue a draw courtesy of Sophie Perry’s goal.

The Easter weekend fixtures see Liverpool travel to Bristol in a repeat of last week’s F.A Cup semi final, in which Bristol ran out comfortable winners.

On Sunday, leaders Birmingham host Lincoln and Doncaster play Chelsea in the first WSL game at the Keepmoat Stadium, while Arsenal and Barnet contest the second F.A Cup semi final.