By Tony Leighton

Julie Fleeting scored twice for Arsenal in their win at Everton

Arsenal continued their relentless pursuit of a sixth Women's Premier League title in seven years with a crushing 4-1 victory at Everton.

The result took the Gunners two points clear of second-placed Charlton Athletic with a game in hand.

Charlton were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn Rovers.

Leeds United, the League's only unbeaten side apart from Arsenal, jumped to third place with a 5-0 win over Cardiff City.

Birmingham City took over fourth spot with a 7-1 thrashing of bottom club Fulham, who are still pointless after nine matches.

A 5-2 victory at Doncaster Rovers Belles led to Bristol Academy rising to fifth place, their highest position of the season.

At the wrong end of the table, Sunderland were pushed back into the relegation zone as Ellen White hit a hat-trick in Chelsea's 4-0 win on Wearside.

Everton 1-4 Arsenal

Two goals by Scotland striker Julie Fleeting sandwiched the goal of the match, a great run and 20-yard drive by England's Kelly Smith.

Fara Williams became the first player to score a League goal against Arsenal this season when she netted a late penalty.

But the England midfielder then conceded a stoppage-time spot-kick at the other end, Lianne Sanderson taking advantage to complete the scoring.

Charlton Athletic 0-0 Blackburn Rovers

Charlton dominated but, in driving rain that ruined the quality of the game, the nearest they came to scoring was when striker Eni Aluko hit the bar with a 55th-minute header.

Leeds United 5-0 Cardiff City

Cardiff battled well throughout the first half but goals a few minutes either side of the interval - one from Natalie Preston and a Karen Burke penalty - set up Leeds for victory.

In a 20-minute spell midway through the second period, Sue Smith, Rachel McArthur and Lucy Ward put their names on the scoresheet to kill off the visitors.

Birmingham City 7-1 Fulham

Fulham's miserable season continued as their goal difference was extended to a frightening minus 54.

A Katie Wilding goal kept them in the game for a while after Maz Gauntlett and Amy McCann had given Blues a 2-0 lead.

But McCann and Gauntlett both struck again before Laura Bassett, Heather Scheuber and Precious Hamilton joined the demolition act.

Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-5 Bristol Academy

Kerry Bartlett and Stef Curtis both bagged braces as Bristol won their third successive League match.

Michelle Green rounded off the scoring for the visitors, with Vicky Exley - from the penalty spot - and Julie Twaddle on target for the Belles.

Sunderland 0-4 Chelsea

After two first half goals by White, Chelsea wrapped up a comprehensive victory, with Dunia Susi adding the third then White completing her hat-trick.