Arsenal move closer to title win

By Tony Leighton

Sanderson's goals helped Arsenal beat Doncaster

Arsenal moved into a virtually unassailable position at the top of the Women's Premier League with a 4-2 win at Doncaster Belles.

But Everton, the only club with an outside chance of catching the leaders, kept their slim hopes alive with a 5-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The Merseysiders climbed above Blackburn into third place.

And although they are 17 points behind the Gunners, they have four games in hand with 11 matches remaining.

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Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-4 Arsenal

England striker Lianne Sanderson bagged a brace as Arsenal maintained their 100% league record after 15 matches.

But, as in their 4-3 home win against the Belles last month, the Gunners were made to battle for their victory.

They took the lead after just two minutes through Yvonne Tracy, but Liz Hansen quickly replied with her 11th goal of the season.

Goals either side of half-time by Sanderson and Jayne Ludlow put the visitors in control, but again Donny hit back for Precious Hamilton to reduce the arrears in the 64th minute.

Three minutes later, however, Sanderson netted what proved the decisive goal - her 37th of the campaign in all competitions.

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Everton 5-1 Blackburn Rovers

Natalie Preston gave Blackburn a first-minute lead that they looked capable of maintaining as the home side performed wretchedly throughout the first half.

A fiery interval team talk by manager Mo Marley sorted out the Toffees, however, and they never looked back following Natasha Dowie's 48th minute equaliser.

Three minutes later they went ahead through a penalty by Fara Williams, whose England colleague Jody Handley hit the third goal in the 70th minute.

Left winger Jo Potter, making her first start after recovering from an ankle injury, wrapped up victory with two goals in the final 15 minutes.