England round-up: Bumper night for the Blues

Chelsea FC and Everton FC have kept up their charge for a UEFA Champions League place with impressive wins.

Gap narrowed
Both clubs remain in fourth and fifth place respectively, but have narrowed the gap on the teams above them. Chelsea were 3-2 winners at home against Leeds United AFC while Everton won 2-1 at struggling Bolton Wanderers FC.

Spectacular strike
Chelsea had to come from behind to take all three points. Harry Kewell put Leeds in front with a neat finish from close range after 18 minutes, but a spectacular overhead kick from Eidur Gudjohnsen drew the home team level in the 57th minute. However, Leeds’ restored their lead from a scrambled Teddy Lucic goal nine minutes later.

Lampard wins it
The lively Frank Lampard became Chelsea’s matchwinner though, with two goals in quick succession. The first, in the 80th minute, was a low drive that deflected in off Danny Mills while the England midfield player’s second three minutes later was also slightly fortuitous as Dominic Matteo’s attempt at a clearance only diverted the weak shot into the net. It was a bitter blow for Leeds, who could lose striker Robbie Fowler to Manchester City FC tomorrow after his on-off transfer was reportedly resurrected.

Watson at the double
Everton had a more comfortable evening, thanks to two first-half goals, including a superbly executed overhead kick, from Steve Watson, playing in an unusual midfield position. Bolton captain Gudni Bergsson scored a late consolation but the defeat leaves the north-west club firmly in trouble in the relegation zone.

Five-star Villa
Elsewhere, Aston Villa FC scored five times to end Middlesbrough FC’s unbeaten home record in dramatic fashion while giving them their first away win of the season. Darius Vassell scored twice, while debutant Joey Gudjonsson also found the net as did Gareth Barry and Dion Dublin. Middlesbrough had levelled the match at 2-2 after conceding two early goals through Massimo Maccarone and Jonathan Greening but had no answer to Villa after that and lost 5-2.

Beattie again
Finally, Sunderland AFC’s disappointing season continued with a 1-0 home defeat by Southampton FC. James Beattie made it 17 goals for the season with a neat finish in the 50th minute after a long pass from Michael Svensson eluded the home defence.