At the Sharp End… the 2014 FA WSL1 Run-In

With three games each remaining, Tony Leighton assesses a three-way FA WSL title race in which Chelsea lead Birmingham City by two points and Liverpool by four. Emma Hayes plays down her side’s favouritism, pointing out that a club which finished seventh last season was told in the spring it was safe from relegation. Karen Carney admits Birmingham have messed it up big time after drawing at bottom club Everton, while Matt Beard, whose Liverpool are defending the title he won after leaving Chelsea, concedes the initiative has gone. David Parker rues handing Chelsea the advantage, and Nick Cushing’s newly promoted Manchester City, already through to the Continental Cup final, could shape the table by hosting Birmingham and Chelsea. Andy Spence remains defiant as Everton fight relegation without a win.