By Tony Leighton

Jayne Ludlow was on form for champions Arsenal

Striker Lucy Ward hit the winner as Leeds United beat Cardiff City 2-1 to go top of the Women's Premier League.

But Charlton Athletic maintained their pressure with a 1-0 win against Everton to stay level on points with Leeds.

Champions Arsenal moved up to third place with a 4-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers - Wales midfielder Jayne Ludlow was on form with a fine hat-trick.

Bristol Academy - who led the table before Sunday's matches - had their match against Sunderland postponed.

WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Cardiff City 1-2 Leeds United

Former England winger Karen Burke set Leeds on the way to victory with a 20th minute close range goal, her 11th of the season.

Jessica Fishlock equalised from a 38th minute penalty, but a 20-yard screamer from Ward wrapped up the points for the visitors 15 minutes from time.

Victory took Leeds to the top of the table for the first time, but a seventh defeat in eight matches for Cardiff kept the Bluebirds in the relegation zone.

Everton 0-1 Charlton Athletic

Everton had to play with 10 players for 88 minutes after England Under-21 defender Michelle Evans was sent off for handling Casey Stoney's goalbound header on the Toffees' line.

But Eniola Aluko struck the post from the resulting penalty. The England striker also had a goalbound effort cleared off the line by Lindsay Johnson.

Despite being a player short Everton created most of the second half chances.

But Charlton secured victory when England Under-19 player Natasha Dowie scored in the 75th minute.

Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers

Arsenal maintained their 100% record and stretched their cumulative goals difference record to 46-1 with yet another confident victory.

Ludlow scored twice in the opening 24 minutes before Scotland striker Julie Fleeting made the points safe with her 22nd goal of the season.

Ludlow completed her hat-trick in the 75th minute for a victory which kept Arsenal, who have games in hand on all the teams around them, on course to retain their title.