Colchester United Ladies sit proudly at the top of the FA Women’s Premier League southern division for the first time in their history, following a resounding 4-1 win over Gillingham Ladies.

The in-form U’s extended their unbeaten run to six games at the Hawthorns, thanks to a brace from Maegen Doyle and further goals from Kate Longhurst and Laura Guyon.

The victory installed Colchester as the new division leaders, a point clear of Portsmouth Ladies and West Ham United Ladies and two ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion, in what now looks to be a very tight four-horse race for the title.

Colchester Ladies manager Kevin Anderson said: “It was an outstanding performance.

“We’re playing really well at both ends of the pitch at the moment and this game was no exception.

“I thought the work rate from our midfield and attacking players was superb.

“Six points from Gillingham is a great return as they are a dangerous side and have taken points off of all the top teams so that gives us a little edge.

“It puts us in a great position and the players and staff have worked really hard to get to the top of the league.”

See Tuesday's Gazette for more on this story and pictures from the U's Ladies game with Gillingham.