By Tony Leighton

Ludlow came off the bench to hit Arsenal's winner

Jayne Ludlow's late goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win at Birmingham City to put the Gunners within touching distance of the Women's Premier League title.

Two goals in the last four minutes gave Everton, currently holding second spot, a 2-0 win at bottom club Fulham.

Charlton, three points behind the Toffees but with a game in hand, won 2-1 at third from bottom Sunderland.

Struggling Cardiff City lost 3-1 at home to Chelsea, while Doncaster Rovers Belles drew 1-1 with Bristol Academy.

Birmingham 0-1 Arsenal

Birmingham were missing five regulars but battled gamely to keep out the champions elect.

An unlikely draw looked likely for the home side until Ludlow, with her first touch of the ball, headed home England winger Rachel Yankey's 85th minute corner.

With a 100 per cent record to date, the five points Arsenal need to clinch the title from their remaining five games should be a formality.

Fulham 0-2 Everton

Fulham were in a worse state than Birmingham - they had only 11 fit players so went out with reserve goalkeeper Emily Bourne up front and an empty substitutes' bench.

The inexperienced line-up nevertheless gave Everton a run for their money until England midfielder Fara Williams broke the deadlock with a long range 86th minute strike.

Midfielder Amy Kane wrapped up the points 60 seconds later, firing home from the edge of the penalty area.

Sunderland 1-2 Charlton Athletic

England defender Casey Stoney put Charlton ahead with a well struck volley after the Sunderland defence had failed to clear a 10th minute corner.

But a flag kick at the other end just after the half-hour saw the Black Cats draw level with a close range shot from Steph Houghton.

The relegation threatened Black Cats were condemned to a sixth successive defeat, however, when England striker Eni Aluko shot the winner a minute after the break.

Cardiff City 1-3 Chelsea

Cardiff's survival hopes were raised when Lauren Dykes headed them into a 15th minute lead.

But Chelsea drew level through a 70th minute penalty by Nicky de la Salle.

And late goals by Laura Cooper and substitute Stevie Lamb gave the visitors a win that lifted them to sixth place.

Bristol Academy 1-1 Doncaster Rovers Belles

After two successive wins which erased their relegation fears, Donny put themselves in line for another three points when Joanne Love gave them a 52nd minute lead.