LAUREN JAMES scored a goal and provided an assist as Chelsea claimed a 2-0 Women’s Super League win over Liverpool today.

Chelsea went ahead just before half-time when Sjoeke Nusken turned James’s cross into the net and the England international made the game safe after the break with a brilliant finish from outside of the area.

The Blues are nine points behind league leaders Manchester City and the Reds stay one point above the relegation zone.

After a bright start, Liverpool thought they had taken the lead in the fourth minute when Alice Bergstrom lofted an effort into the far side of the net, but the goal was ruled out for a handball in the build-up.

Ceri Holland then forced Hannah Hampton into a save at her near post and Chelsea eventually grew into the half when Veerle Buurman and Naomi Girma went close before Sandy Baltimore’s menacing cross was held by Jennifer Falk.

Chelsea controlled the game but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities until James hit an attempt wide and the England striker was at the heart of the Blues breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute, whipping a cross into the six-yard area for Nusken to stab home.

Martha Thomas had an effort saved by Hampton after the restart and the striker had another excellent opportunity after cutting into the box, but skewed her shot wide.

James remained influential after the break and put Chelsea firmly in control when she smashed a strike from the edge of the box over the top of the diving Falk in the 65th minute.

Sam Kerr had a tame effort collected by Falk and Ellie Carpenter nearly had Chelsea’s third in the final minutes after picking up the ball in a promising position, but her low strike was comfortably held by Falk.