Birmingham edge Bristol Academy

By Tony Leighton

Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers both climbed three places in the Women's Premier League table following wins on Thursday.

Blues took over fifth spot after beating Bristol Academy 2-1, while Blackburn won 2-0 at Leeds Carnegie to move up to sixth.

Becky Hall and Kate Moran scored within three minutes of each other to put Birmingham in the driving seat.

Bristol's Gwennan Harries claimed a consolation goal, a minute from time.

Leeds Carnegie 0-2 Blackburn Rovers

Former Leeds players Natalie Preston and Karen Burke both put their names on the scoresheet to sink their former club.

Midfielder Preston headed Blackburn in front just before the half-hour and ex-England winger Burke shot home the winner 11 minutes from time.