Chelsea’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League title hopes have suffered another blow with a goalless draw at out of form Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.
The Blues went into the game four points adrift of leaders Arsenal and they were only able to bridge that gap by a point after being frustrated by a Brighton & Hove Albion side who had lost six games on the spin.
Despite Chelsea’s bright start, Brighton & Hove Albion went closest to breaking the deadlock early on when Danielle Carter saw a long range effort saved by visiting keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
At the other end, Guro Reiten saw an effort go just wide before Fran Kirby sent a header off target. Both players were soon to try their luck again but neither could find a way beyond Megan Walsh in the Brighton & Hove Albion goal. Kirby really should have scored with her chance but she failed to beat Walsh when one-on-one.
Chelsea again came out lively in the second half but The Blues were far from at their best in-front of goal as they struggled to test Walsh. Kirby did see a powerful strike saved by the home keeper before Pernille Harder whipped a good chance over the bar. Erin Cuthbert then thumped a shot against the crossbar before Beth England’s goal-bound header was superbly kept out by Walsh at the death.
Emma Hayes’ side spent the final minutes trying to carve open the Brighton & Hove Albion defence to create a clear chance but the hosts held on to end their losing run and frustrate the champions. Chelsea will now be hoping that leaders Arsenal slip-up against Manchester City at The Academy Stadium this evening.