Powell: I'm so proud of the players

Hope Powell was 'proud and delighted' after Albion pulled off the best result in their WSL history.

Goals from Aileen Whelan on her 50th appearance and Megan Connolly, direct from a corner, earned her team a 2-1 win against Chelsea as they became the first team to beat the leaders and reigning champions in 34 games spanning two years.

“With the men's result at Liverpool on Wednesday and now this, it has been a great week for the club,” she said.

“I'm so proud of the players. We didn't have a good performance against Bristol City last week but the squad have worked really hard over the last few days. We went back to basics and to being what we're about which is being committed in everything we do and working hard.

“We knew Chelsea would have more possession but we had a good attitude and we were organised and when we do those things we give ourselves a chance.

“We tried to stifle them and deny them space and be hard to beat. The girls executed the game plan superbly, but it was tough. We spent a lot of time in our own half and we had a bit of luck perhaps with the second goal but we earned that. I am really delighted for everyone.

“It's a big result. They are top and were 33 games unbeaten with a team full of world-class talent. It will sink in a bit more later, but the most important thing was three points because we'd not been on a good run so it will do a lot for our confidence.”