Liverpool’s on-loan striker Beth England’s early goal earned Liverpool victory over Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City – and gave her parent club, Chelsea, a clear advantage in the title race.

The hosts started on the front foot at the Deva Stadium and took the lead in the 10th minute when England headed Alex Greenwood’s cross from the left wing beyond the onrushing City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley.

Nick Cushing’s side, who returned to the top of the table after a 6-1 win at Bristol City last Thursday, sought an immediate response as Georgia Stanway shot wide from distance, before Greenwood cleared Jill Scott’s header off the line.

England continued to pose a threat leading the line for Liverpool, while Nikita Parris fired a shot wide for the visitors just before half-time.

In the second half Liverpool defended in numbers and City, playing their sixth match in the last three weeks, proved unable to break them down. Liverpool continued to look dangerous on the break, with England almost combining with Caroline Weir close to the hour mark.

As time ticked down, the visitors saw two optimistic penalty appeals turned down – the first when England handled the ball from close range, the second when Liverpool goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain collided with substitute Jane Ross off the ball.

Steph Houghton spurned a late chance, firing a free kick over the bar from the edge of the penalty area in stoppage time as Scott Rogers’ side held on.

City remain at the top of the league but Chelsea, level on points with a game in hand and unbeaten all season, are now favourites to win the title and complete the Double. The FA Cup winners face Birmingham City on Wednesday, while Manchester City face a tough trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

England, who joined Liverpool on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season, said after the game: “We put absolutely everything into that game, I couldn’t be prouder of the team. We’ve beaten a team that looked untouchable – it just shows what you can achieve when you work hard and stick to your game plan.”

Rogers, celebrating his first win over City as the Liverpool manager, praised his on-loan forward who has scored 15 goals this season. “Beth has been fantastic for us,” he told BT Sport. “She’s scored a lot of goals for us, and she’s a great personality to have in the dressing room.”

“I don’t think we were ourselves,” Cushing said after the match. “We didn’t get control of the game, conceded far too many counter-attacks – and you can’t give a team like Liverpool a goal start. We know we have to win our last three games to have any chance, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

In WSL 2, Durham tightened their grip on fourth place after a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa, with Beth Hepple, Zoe Ness and Jordan Atkinson on target for the hosts.