Brighton Women 0-3 Chelsea Women: Lauren James nets double, Blues remain WSL top

Lauren James added more stunning goals to her highlights reel, scoring twice as Chelsea beat Brighton 3-0 to go six points clear at the top of the WSL.

The England forward, who was lauded by her manager Emma Hayes last weekend for her ability to shoot with both feet, did just that with two wonderful efforts.

The epitome of cool, James' first goal 58 seconds after the break was a thunderous first-touch hit with her left foot that arrowed past Sophie Baggaley. The second (59) was similarly vicious, netted with her right after she was left inexplicably unmarked in the area.

It was sandwiched either side of a Fran Kirby header (51), while British record signing and January arrival Mayra Ramirez made her Chelsea debut midway through the second half.

It was arguably a harsh scoreline on the Seagulls, who tested and pressed Chelsea for much of the game, but could not find an answer for Chelsea's kick up in gears early in the second half.

The result sees Chelsea onto 31 points, six ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, who play on Sunday. Brighton drop into ninth on goal difference, level on 11 points with Everton.

What's next?

Chelsea are back in Champions League action in midweek as they travel to Paris FC on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

Emma Hayes' side then host Everton next Sunday in the Women's Super League, live on Sky Sports at 6.45pm.

Brighton travel to Manchester United in their next WSL fixture, which takes place next Sunday at noon.