Sophie Ingle wins second WSL title after Chelsea beat Reading

Wales captain Sophie Ingle has lifted her second FA WSL title after Chelsea beat Reading 5-0 at Kingsmeadow.

Chelsea needed a win at home to clinch the title and they did so in fine fashion.

Ingle played 90 minutes in midfield as goals from Melanie Leupolz, Sam Kerr, Erin Cuthbert and a brace for Fran Kirby sealed the title.

The 29-year-old has been a stalwart in Emma Hayes’ side this season, playing 18 out of 22 league games.

Chelsea have retained their WSL trophy having won the league last season on points per game.

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This is the second piece of silverware that Chelsea have won this season, adding to their Conti Cup victory.

The win also keeps their momentum high going into the Champions League final against Barcelona on 16 May.

The same game marked Angharad James’ final WSL appearance before she makes her move to America with NWSL side North Carolina Courage.

Since making her WSL debut for Bristol Academy in 2014, James has gone on to make 142 appearances in the league by the age of 26.

She will now join Jess Fishlock in America following the end of her Reading contract.

It wasn’t celebrations all around for Welsh players.

Gemma Evans and Megan Wynne’s Bristol City were relegated to the FA Championship.

The Vixens came into the final week bottom of the table, needing a win and for Aston Villa and Birmingham to lose to stay up.

A 3-1 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion guaranteed their relegation, bringing an end to their four-year stay in the WSL.

With Chelsea clinching the title it meant that former Wales international Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City narrowly missed out.

Despite winning 1-0 at West Ham they finished two points behind the champions, in Taylor’s first season in charge.

Speaking after his side’s win Taylor said: “The margin for error is very tight, we just needed more time.

“We’ve seen real improvement, especially in the way we play.

“Even if we would have won the league we will always look to get better.”

Rachel Rowe finished as the highest scoring Welsh player in the league this season with her five goals for Reading.

Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd registered the most assists of any Welsh players this season with five.

The season isn’t over yet, however.

Chelsea still have the Champions League final and the FA Cup is still in the fifth round and will give Taylor another chance at silverware in his maiden season.