Women’s Super League: Manchester City go third with Leicester win, Brighton hold Aston Villa

Manchester City climbed into the top three in the Women’s Super League with a 2-0 win at bottom side Leicester City, while Brighton earned a precious point against Aston Villa.

Chloe Kelly and Khadija Shaw struck in the second half for City as they leapfrogged Arsenal in the standings and went two points off top.

However, the Manchester club have played a game more than Manchester United and Chelsea above them, and two more than Arsenal, who are one point behind.

Shaw put City in front just after the hour mark, heading home a league-high 10th goal of the season.

And Kelly opened her account for the campaign by firing into the far corner on her left foot to make sure of the three points.

Leicester, who would have suffered a heavier defeat were it not for a strong performance from goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, are bottom of the table with just three points, four from safety.

Elsewhere, Brighton pulled five points clear of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw away to Villa.

New manager Jens Scheuer is yet to win a game in charge, and his side got off to a bad start when Kayleigh Green inadvertently diverted a cross into her own net in the 32nd minute.

But the visitors drew level with 16 minutes remaining when Julia Olme scored, leaving Brighton 10th, five points clear of Leicester with a game in hand.

The WSL action continues on Sunday when leaders Manchester United host Everton and Chelsea, who are second only on goal difference, travel to Tottenham Hotspur at 12.30pm.

Liverpool host Reading at 2pm before the weekend’s fixtures conclude with Arsenal’s trip to West Ham at 6.45pm.