Arsenal see off Leeds to go top

By Tony Leighton

England Under-19 striker Sanderson netted two goals

England Under-19 striker Lianne Sanderson scored twice as Arsenal beat Leeds United 4-1 to reclaim top spot in the Nationwide Women's Premier League.

The Gunners, who last led the League four months ago, went ahead of previous leaders Charlton on goal difference.

In the only other top flight game of the weekend, third-placed Everton beat Bristol Academy 2-0 and are now three points off the summit.

Each of the title contenders now has only seven league matches remaining.

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Leeds United 1-4 Arsenal

Just as in the first meeting of the two clubs this season, the Gunners had to come from behind to claim victory.

Natalie Preston gave the home side an 18th-minute lead with a neatly-executed chip following a fine through-ball by former England captain Karen Walker.

But Sanderson equalised direct from a 36th-minute free-kick.

And a minute before the interval a 15-yard shot by England winger Rachel Yankey edged the visitors in front.

The second half was as tight as the first until England striker Kelly Smith netted Arsenal's third goal from a 72nd-minute penalty.

Sanderson, who scored the last-gasp winner in Arsenal's 4-3 home win against Leeds in August, added her second with a close-range effort in stoppage time.

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Everton 2-0 Bristol Academy

England colleagues Fara Williams and Jody Handley hit the goals as Everton kept up the pressure in the three-horse race for the NWPL championship.

Midfielder Williams followed up a looping shot from striker Chantelle Parry to head home the 39th-minute opener.

Fifth in the table Academy continued to battle and it was never easy for the home side.

But the visitors' Siobhan Chamberlain was kept busier than her rival for the England goalkeeping jersey, Rachel Brown.

And Chamberlain was beaten for a second time when, with four minutes left on the clock, striker Handley raced on to midfielder Kelly McDougall's through-ball to slot home the victory clincher.