By Tony Leighton

Charlton Athletic's long battle against relegation ended in disappointment after a 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City condemned the Addicks to the drop.

At the other end of the table, Arsenal moved closer to the title with a 3-0 win against Birmingham and are now 17 points clear at the top.

Everton, the only club capable of catching the Gunners, climbed to third place with a 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

Leeds United's meeting with Watford was postponed because of an unfit pitch.

Cardiff City 2-1 Charlton Athletic

Charlton seemed set for their first win of the season after Tonje Smedholen had given them a 64th-minute lead.

But Kayleigh Greening levelled the scores for the second-from-bottom club with only six minutes remaining.

And Charlton hearts were broken when Nicola Cousins hit a last-minute winner.

Despite their victory, the Bluebirds are still deep in relegation trouble, eight points adrift of the safety places with only four games remaining.

Arsenal 3-0 Birmingham City

Wales captain Jayne Ludlow shot Arsenal in front after only 10 minutes but the table-toppers then had to battle to complete their 50th successive league victory.

Striker Lianne Sanderson eventually hit the crucial second goal in the 82nd minute.

And for good measure Sanderson doubled her tally - with her 39th goal of the campaign - a minute from time.

Everton 3-0 Chelsea

Three first-half goals gave Everton their fifth successive National Division victory.

Striker Jody Handley hit the 10th-minute opener, with midfielder Fara Williams doubling the lead after 24 minutes and left-back Rachel Unitt adding the third goal just before the interval.

Everton are still 17 points behind Arsenal but they have four games in hand and have yet to visit the Gunners.