Lincoln City Ladies' 12th successive victory - a 5-1 success at Crewe Alexandra - has seen them move level on points with FA Tesco Women's Premier League Northern Division.

A brace from youngster Sophie Barker and one apiece from Carla Ward, Stacey Aisthorpe and Jodie Snelson were enough to see off the challenge of Crewe and, with Forest being helf to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland, the win means that all that separates the top two is goals scored so, with just three games left on the calendar, a thrilling climax to the season is in prospect.

City's first opportunity against Crewe came as early as the second minute when right back Katie Durrands lofted a pass into the path of Ward just outside the box. Ward shot hard and low straight at the Crewe 'keeper who promptly let the ball slip through her gloves and into the back of the net.

It took until the 43rd minute for City to grind out their second goal. After efforts from Ward and Snelson brought spectacular saves from the Crewe 'keeper, Aisthorpe flicked in a header following a near post corner from Nic Stray.

It wasn't long before Snelson added a third; a run down the left saw her cut inside before firing home and five minutes into the second half Kerry Smith powered her way forward before crossing for Barker to volley home at the far post to make it 4-0.

Amanda Goodwin pulled one back for Crewe with a dipping effort over the head of Kay Hawke but City remained in control with Barker netting her second after good work from Aisthorpe.

After moving level with Forest at the top of the league, all eyes will now be on the Lady Imps' FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON semi-final showdown against the mighty Arsenal at Sincil Bank on Sunday afternoon.