Chelsea Ladies’ reign as Women’s Super League champions ended as Manchester City beat them 2-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.
The Blues needed to win at City’s Academy Stadium just to keep the title race alive, but goals either side of half-time from England internationals Jill Scott and Toni Duggan sealed victory.
Both teams were keen to make an early impression in front of 4,096 fans and Chelsea keeper Becky Spencer was called upon to make an early save from City’s Jane Ross.
The home side went in front of 34 minutes when Duggan sent in a corner and Scott headed in.
Just after the break, they doubled the lead when Gilly Flaherty brought down Lucy Bronze, with Duggan converting the penalty.
Chelsea had a chance to pull a goal back when Hannah England was sent away by Karen Carney’s pass but City was denied by City keeper Karen Bardsley.
Emma Hayes’ side still have WSL matches against Reading and Notts County to come but will also focus their attentions on the Champions League tie with Wolfsburg next month.
This post was last modified on 12/10/2016