Arsenal & Chelsea record big wins

By Tony Leighton

Prolific striker Smith scored twice in Arsenal's victory

Women's Premier League leaders Arsenal maintained their two-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Chelsea on Thursday.

Both teams recorded 5-1 victories in the latest round of fixtures.

Kelly Smith scored twice as the Gunners kept up their 100% record with a comfortable win at bottom club Nottingham Forest.

And it was just as clear-cut for Chelsea at Watford, where Clare Rafferty bagged a brace for the Blues.

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Nottingham Forest 1-5 Arsenal

Smith and strike partner Gemma Davison hit early goals for the Gunners but Levi Penny reduced the arrears before half-time.

Smith struck her 17th goal of the season a minute after the break, however, and when Katie Chapman added Arsenal's fourth goal, victory was assured.

Left winger Dannii Bird completed the scoring three minutes from time.

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Watford 1-5 Chelsea

Rafferty gave Blues a half-time lead then added their second goal on the hour.

Helen Lander put Watford back in the game two minutes later, but Chelsea raced to victory with three goals in a 14 minute spell sparked by Eni Aluko's 10th of the season.

Brooke Chaplen and Lianne Sanderson, with an 82nd minute penalty, were the other players on target.