By Tony Leighton

England's Sanderson was instrumental in Arsenal's win

Lianne Sanderson and Julie Fleeting hit two goals apiece as Arsenal beat Liverpool 5-2 and extended their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Chantelle Parry drew Liverpool level at 1-1 and Fay McCoy reduced the deficit to 4-2 but Arsenal eased to victory.

In the weekend's only other top flight game bottom club Charlton Athletic drew 1-1 with Doncaster Belles.

Daniella Farmer gave Charlton the lead before Tony Anne Wayne's own goal gave Doncaster a share of the spoils.

Arsenal 5-2 Liverpool

The Gunners took only five minutes to put themselves in front as England striker Sanderson opened her account with a close range effort.

Visitors Liverpool were level within 60 seconds, however, as striker Parry raced clear of the home defence to score a well-taken goal.

Arsenal then regained the lead through a 37th minute cross-shot by Sanderson, her 28th goal of the season in all competitions.

A minute after the interval a cross from left winger Rachel Yankey dropped just under the Liverpool bar to fortuitously stretch the lead.

And the killer goal arrived when Scotland captain Fleeting hammered home a 25-yard shot in the 77th minute.

McCoy looped in an 87th minute header to give the visitors their second goal, but a minute later Fleeting completed her brace with a neat 10-yard finish.

The champions, with a 100 per cent record, are now not only four points clear at the top of the table but also have five games in hand on second-placed Bristol Academy.

Charlton Athletic 1-1 Doncaster Belles

After gaining their first point of the season against Leeds United in their last outing, improving Charlton collected another well-earned draw.

They survived a scare just after the half-hour, when full-back Wayne had to hack striker Liz Hansen's effort off the line.

But they then took a 33rd-minute lead as striker Farmer headed in a cross from left winger Claire Tapp.

Play was held up for 15 minutes during the second half after Charlton full back Jay Blackie sustained a neck injury that eventually led to her being taken to hospital.

Doncaster's equaliser came in the 65th minute, Wayne putting the ball into her own net as she tried unsuccessfully to clear another goalbound Hansen shot.

Charlton held out for a deserved point, but their increasing competitiveness has almost certainly arrived too late to save them from relegation.