FRAN DOUBLE TAKES BLUES FIVE POINTS CLEAR AT TOP

FRAN KIRBY scored twice as CHELSEA extended their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League to five points with a 5-0 win over bottom club BRISTOL CITY at Bath.

Kirby headed Emma Hayes’ side in front after just four minutes before Pernille Harder doubled the lead in the 36th minute.

The Blues were cruising when Kirby (above with Bethany England) added her second to establish a three-goal lead five minutes before the break.

Chelsea wrapped up the win when England teed up Sam Kerr to head home and England added the fifth herself from close range.

Nicoline Sorensen stepped off the bench to salvage a point for EVERTON in a 1-1 draw at READING.

Rachel Rowe (below) volleyed the Royals in front in the 34th minute but substitute Sorensen headed the equaliser in the 71st minute.

The stalemate means the two sides remain level, with Everton in fifth spot on goal difference.

The Merseysiders’ boss Willie Kirk said: “It’s the second frustrating Sunday for us. We’ve already dropped too many silly points to be fighting for the Champions League this season.

“But the most frustrating thing for me is that we’ve not taken points off the top four yet, which needs to change in the second half of the season as it will lay the foundation for next season.”

Bostwick 77, Edwards 90 BURTON boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wasn’t surprised when Michael Bostwick helped to fire up Burton’s survival bid.

Bostwick struck with a powerful free-kick to put the rock-bottom Brewers on course for a third win in four games, with Ryan Edwards sealing the win.

Hasselbaink said: “Michael Bostwick has one of the hardest shots in the club. It was a good hit and we’ll take that.”