Chelsea 6-0 Leicester: Harder nets brace as Blues warm up for FA Cup final

Pernille Harder scored twice as Chelsea warmed up for the FA Cup final by moving a point behind Women's Super League leaders Manchester United thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of lowly Leicester.

Emma Hayes' reigning champions, who face United at Wembley on Sunday, took control of the contest courtesy of Guro Reiten's eighth-minute finish and Erin Cuthbert's 50th goal for the club.

Harder's second double in as many games - following a brace in Sunday's 7-0 thrashing over Everton - put the result beyond doubt before the break.

Lauren James stretched the Blues' advantage with a stunning solo goal in the 56th minute before Jelena Cankovic completed the scoring in added time with another spectacular strike.

Second-placed Chelsea, who have won four league matches in a row, have a game in hand on title rivals United and an identical goal difference.

Relegation-threatened Leicester - thumped 8-0 at home by the Blues in December - remain two points above bottom club Reading with two games to go following their 15th defeat of a difficult campaign.

The evening was always going to be difficult for the Foxes, and they may be somewhat pleased the score stayed as low as six on this occasion.

The hosts enjoyed plenty off chances and netted six times to send their fans home happy and boost their goal difference as they continue to chase United.

The league is in their own hands with just three games left to play, while they will look to lift their third FA Cup in as many years at the weekend.