Chelsea second in WSL after beating Birmingham

Melvine Malard scored on her Women’s Super League debut as Chelsea beat Birmingham City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Lexi Potter also on target for the hosts.

Potter gave Chelsea an early lead in the eighth minute, turning in the rebound after Sophie Baggaley had saved Alyssa Thompson’s flicked effort. Chelsea dominated for long spells but couldn’t add a second until substitute Malard capitalised on a stray Millie Turner header, beating Baggaley to make it two.

Thompson was denied twice by Baggaley and saw Sjoeke Nusken head against the bar from one of her crosses, while Chelsea grew nervier as the game went on and Birmingham pushed for a way back in.

Wilma Leidhammar was denied by Hannah Hampton after meeting a Lily Crosthwaite cross, and substitute Suzu Amano twice went close for the visitors, but Chelsea – who are second in the table – held on for the win.