The last round of Women's Super League fixtures before the international break were full of drama. Here is a review of all the action.
Manchester City fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Birmingham City in the match of the weekend. Abbie McManus scored a bizarre own goal early in the first half to give Birmingham an unlikely lead as her 50-yard backpass caught keeper Ellie Roebuck off guard. Things got worse for the visitors when Meaghan Sergeant's doubled Birmingham's lead with a header four minutes after the restart. Caroline Weir pulled a goal back in the 54th minute before Nikita Parris got Man City back on level terms. Tessa Wullaert's deflected effort completed the comeback as Man City won 3-2 and ended Birmingham's 100% record.
Brighton lost and failed to score for the fourth consecutive game. The newcomers to the league are still waiting for their first point of the season. Chelsea won 2-0 as they scored and won for the first time this campaign. Two quick fire goals from Fran Kirby and Erin Cuthbert were enough to give Chelsea three points. Hope Powell's side had seven shots on target but couldn't get on the scoresheet. Ini Umotong was denied by Carly Telford on two occasions as the Blues kept a clean sheet. It's still early days but Brighton seem to be struggling to adapt to life in the top flight.
Reading got back to winning ways as they beat 10-women Liverpool 1-0. A sublime first half goal from Brooke Chaplen was a worthy way to settle the contest. Captain Kirsty Pearce launched a brilliant long ball to Chaplen whose first-time finish was volleyed past Liverpool keeper Anke Preuss. Liverpool were doing well to keep Reading at bay but their task became more difficult when Rhiannon Roberts was sent off after being shown a second yellow card. Roberts was on a yellow when she put in a dangerous tackle on Lauren Bruton. Somehow she escaped further punishment but then she lunged at Bruton again and was given her marching orders. Liverpool still tried to get a point and Reading had chances to increase their lead but in the end, one goal was enough.
West Ham recorded their first ever WSL win as they overcame a spirited Yeovil Town side. Leanne Kiernan put the hosts in front when she fired home from a West Ham corner. It wasn't long before Yeovil equalised through Ellie Mason who got on the end of Hannah Short's free-kick to score from close range. Just two minutes later, substitute Rosie Kmita made an instant impact with a great volley from 20 yards to secure three points for the Hammers. West Ham have adjusted well to football in the top tier while Yeovil are bottom of the league, just like last season.
Week 4 Results:
Birmingham City 2-3 Manchester City
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
Liverpool 0-1 Reading
West Ham 2-1 Yeovil Town