THE WSL title race has been blown open spectacularly after Brighton inflicted Chelsea's first league defeat in over TWO YEARS.
Sam Kerr gave the champs an early lead after nodding home on five minutes, after she was left unmarked at the far post at Kingsmeadow.
But just three minutes later Aileen Whelan got the Seagulls back in it after rising highest to head in Inessa Kaagman’s inch-perfect corner.
Bethany England rattled the crossbar from 12 yards before the break, and Sophie Ingle saw a header cleared off the line – but they couldn't find a breakthrough.
Against the run of play, Blues stopper Carly Telford shirked her duties and palmed Megan Connolly’s corner into her own net to make it 2-1 with ten minutes left to play.
The shock result ended the West Londoner’s incredible record of 33 matches unbeaten in the league.
It also left them level on 32 points with second place Manchester United, who have played one more game.
The Seagulls had just three shots on goal compared to Chelsea's staggering 30, while also managing just 24 percent possession to the Blues' 76.
Boss Emma Hayes said: “Of course I’m disappointed to lose the game.
"I think the Manchester United result today and our result serves as a reminder that if you’re not on it in this league then you can be turned over."
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Brighton chief Hope Powell said: “I'm really, really delighted – I’m sure it’ll sink in later. It’s a big win for us today."
Reading dealt United their first home defeat in over a YEAR.
The opener came after Emma Mitchell’s corner was flicked on by Amalie Eikeland with Natasha Harding pouncing at the back post to nod in from a yard on 62 minutes.
Just two minutes later, ex-Arsenal ace Danielle Carter made it 2-0 after breaking free to nod in another pristine delivery from Mitchell.
A win would have seen the Red Devils go top.
United boss Casey Stoney, said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I think we weren't at our levels today.
“We defended two set pieces really poorly and it ended up costing us.
“If you want to go for titles and stay in and around the top three you’ve got to defend better in those pivotal moments.
“Man City next becomes a must win now in terms of staying in and around that top three. We need to get that right.”
Royals chief Kelly Chambers said: “It was a great goal from Danielle [Carter] and it was great to be able to have her on the pitch to contribute today.”
Jamie-Lee Napier nabbedBirmingham a vital point – and dented Everton's hopes of a Champions League spot.
Danielle Turner put the Toffees ahead after sending a delicious free kick, dipping and curling into the bottom corner on 22 minutes.
Tinja-Riikka Korpela saved Claudia Walker's limp penalty – awarded for handball – but Napier poked in the rebound for the equaliser.
A run of just one win in eight WSL matches has left Everton trailing third place and a spot in Europe by 12 points now.
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