Durham defeated title rivals Liverpool 2-0 with goals from Molly Sharpe and Emily Roberts, moving four points ahead of the Reds.
Wildcats’ keeper Megan Borthwick had to turn an Amalie Thestrup drive round the post but the hosts opened the scoring on half-time, Nicki Gears’ cut-back fired home by Sharpe.
Melissa Lawley lobbed just wide during a spell of Liverpool pressure, only for Roberts to double the advantage with a fine finish 20 minutes from full-time.
Lionesses blunt Blades
London City Lionesses held hosts Sheffield United to a goalless draw, as the Blades again lost ground in the title chase.
Sheffield’s Rhema Lord-Mears and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk both missed good opportunities.
Lily Agg curled a free-kick just wide for City and was played in late on by Liz Ejupi, only for Fran Kitching to pull off a diving save.
Coventry cancel out Bees opener
Coventry United levelled late on to earn a point in a 1-1 draw away to London Bees, whom the stay goal-difference ahead of in the table.
Charlie Estcourt hit an upright for the Bees, Sophie McLean later giving them the lead before the break.
United’s Amber Hughes hit the post early in the second half but with 10 minutes remaining, Anna Wilcox floated a free-kick into the back of the net.
#FAWSL: Manchester United Women to go into new year as leaders
