Blackburn Rovers Ladies moved to the top of the Women’s Premier League table with a 2-0 win against Leeds United in difficult conditions at Radcliffe.

It lifted them ahead of previous leaders Nottingham Forest after Forest were held to a goalless draw at Barnet – and Rovers travel to face Forest in their next match.

Rovers boss Adam Lakeland was disappointed with his side’s showing in the first half against Leeds, describing it as their worst 45 minutes of the season so far.

But they still restricted the visitors to just one chance and a vastly improved show after the break saw Rovers take the lead just before the hours when skipper Nicky Twohig scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Danielle Sheen.

Sheen then made sure of victory when she fired an 18-yard shot into the top corner 12 minutes from time after an impressive through ball by Rhiannon Roberts.

“It was a great win, especially considering how difficult the condition were because of the heavy rain,” said Rovers manager Adam Lakeland.

“It has been a very encouraging start to the season and it is great for the team to see themselves at the top of the table. It is the ideal platform on which to go into the Forest game next weekend.

“We set ourselves the target of getting something from the first five games and we have done that and we are confident we can beat anyone in this league.”

Vice-captain Nicole Emmanuel missed the match because of a troublesome calf injury and could be out for some time as she requires a scan.

“All the squad wish her a speedy recovery,” said Lakeland.