Melvine Malard scored two second-half goals as Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the WSL season.

The Blues trailed for the first time this campaign when Palace defender Molly Bartrip tapped in at the back post in the 20th minute for her first goal in four years.

However, a rocket of a shot from Malard brought Chelsea level shortly after the break before the France international headed her side in front in the 75th minute - her third and fourth goals of the season.

Sandy Baltimore wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot as the game ticked into the 90th minute.

Victory moves Sonia Bompastor's side to the top of the table, one point clear of Manchester City, who play away at Manchester United at 18:00 GMT on Sunday.

Crystal Palace remain 11th, with their winless run now stretching to six matches.

Chelsea were utterly dominant in the first half and saw two efforts cleared off the line in the opening 15 minutes, with Allyson Swaby keeping out Lucy Bronze's header before two defenders swarmed Malard's low strike.

However, they found themselves behind against the run of play when Bartrip touched in Fuka Tsunoda's corner.

Malard spurned a chance to equalise immediately after half-time, missing an open goal after having her initial shot parried back to her, but quickly made amends, smashing home a right-footed strike from distance in the 51st minute.

Bethany England wasted an opportunity to restore Palace's lead against her former side, blazing over from inside the box, before Chelsea made their dominance pay, Malard nodding in Baltimore's dinked cross at the near post.

Malard was denied a hat-trick when her 84th-minute strike was chalked off for offside but won the penalty which was coolly stroked home by compatriot Baltimore.

Melvine Malard scored two second-half goals as Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the WSL season.

The Blues trailed for the first time this campaign when Palace defender Molly Bartrip tapped in at the back post in the 20th minute for her first goal in four years.

However, a rocket of a shot from Malard brought Chelsea level shortly after the break before the France international headed her side in front in the 75th minute - her third and fourth goals of the season.

Sandy Baltimore wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot as the game ticked into the 90th minute.

Victory moves Sonia Bompastor's side to the top of the table, one point clear of Manchester City, who play away at Manchester United at 18:00 GMT on Sunday.

Crystal Palace remain 11th, with their winless run now stretching to six matches.

Chelsea were utterly dominant in the first half and saw two efforts cleared off the line in the opening 15 minutes, with Allyson Swaby keeping out Lucy Bronze's header before two defenders swarmed Malard's low strike.

However, they found themselves behind against the run of play when Bartrip touched in Fuka Tsunoda's corner.

Malard spurned a chance to equalise immediately after half-time, missing an open goal after having her initial shot parried back to her, but quickly made amends, smashing home a right-footed strike from distance in the 51st minute.

Bethany England wasted an opportunity to restore Palace's lead against her former side, blazing over from inside the box, before Chelsea made their dominance pay, Malard nodding in Baltimore's dinked cross at the near post.

Malard was denied a hat-trick when her 84th-minute strike was chalked off for offside but won the penalty which was coolly stroked home by compatriot Baltimore.

Melvine Malard scored two second-half goals as Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the WSL season.

The Blues trailed for the first time this campaign when Palace defender Molly Bartrip tapped in at the back post in the 20th minute for her first goal in four years.

However, a rocket of a shot from Malard brought Chelsea level shortly after the break before the France international headed her side in front in the 75th minute - her third and fourth goals of the season.

Sandy Baltimore wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot as the game ticked into the 90th minute.

Victory moves Sonia Bompastor's side to the top of the table, one point clear of Manchester City, who play away at Manchester United at 18:00 GMT on Sunday.

Crystal Palace remain 11th, with their winless run now stretching to six matches.

Chelsea were utterly dominant in the first half and saw two efforts cleared off the line in the opening 15 minutes, with Allyson Swaby keeping out Lucy Bronze's header before two defenders swarmed Malard's low strike.

However, they found themselves behind against the run of play when Bartrip touched in Fuka Tsunoda's corner.

Malard spurned a chance to equalise immediately after half-time, missing an open goal after having her initial shot parried back to her, but quickly made amends, smashing home a right-footed strike from distance in the 51st minute.

Bethany England wasted an opportunity to restore Palace's lead against her former side, blazing over from inside the box, before Chelsea made their dominance pay, Malard nodding in Baltimore's dinked cross at the near post.

Malard was denied a hat-trick when her 84th-minute strike was chalked off for offside but won the penalty which was coolly stroked home by compatriot Baltimore.