SAM KERR fired up Chelsea’s title hopes with a strike at the death to dispatch Liverpool.
Just as a draw looked on the cards, the Blues hotshot pounced on a rebound to seal a 2-1 win.
Kerr’s shot saw Chelsea strengthen their hopes of retaining the title after they overcame Liverpool
Emma Koivisto gave the Reds an early lead at Kingsmeadow
Niamh Charles netted Chelsea’s equaliser late in the first spell following some stoic defending from the visitors
The result saw the Australia star’s side go four points behind leaders Manchester United and one off Man City in the WSL.
A run of victories in their five remaining games – including a duel with Arsenal – would see them win a fourth successive crown in one of the most closely fought title races.
Following the Reds’ chastening 4-0 loss to the Foxes Beard shuffled his deck making four changes.
These included a league debut for Faye Kirby in goal in place of Rachael Laws.
The last clash between the rivals saw Liverpool claim a surprise win after going a goal down in two minutes
This time around it was the Reds who caught their hosts cold in the second minute.
Kovisto netted gave them the lead volleying home Natasha Dowie’s whipped cross.
Chelsea cranked their attack soon after prompting a string of classy saves from Kirby.
These included a stunning fingertip stop following a Sam Kerr header.
The hosts eventually broke their opponents’ resistance with ex-Red Niamh Charles’ heading home close to half-time.
The second spell saw Hayes alter her line-up with Jelena Cankovic and Pernille Harder replacing Erin Cuthbert and Lauren James.
And Harder came inches away from burying Guro Reiten’s cross before Sam Kerr, who had a quiet night by her standards, blasted a shot over the bar.
Despite hemming the Reds deep into their own half late on the Blues struggled to create clear cut chances.
Harder was denied the chance of getting on the end of another dangerous cross with Gemma Bonner – a rock in defence – heading the ball away.
Hayes had another throw of the dice with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd coming on for Melanie Leupolz.
Emma Hayes’ side will face Everton next with the Toffees visiting Kingsmeadow on Sunday
Just as it looked as if a draw was destined, Chelsea showed their title-chasing class
Jessie Flemming hit woodwork with a thunderous shot late on
And Kerr fired home the rebound from her effort in the 84th minute to wrap up the win before the Blues’ clash with Everton on Sunday.
