Yasmine Swarbrick hit a hat-trick as Preston North End moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League Northern Division with a 7-1 win over fifth-placed Derby County.
Gemma Watson chipped in the opening goal midway through the first period and Swarbrick doubled the advantage by half-time.
After the break Derby goalkeeper Sarah Morgan clawed a Watson cross into her own net, but Natalie Reay struck at the other end to reduce the deficit.
But, as Derby tired, Preston punished them. Swarbrick struck twice to claim the matchball, Watson hit her second of the game and Ella Schickhoff completed the scoring.
Brighton were the big winners in the Southern Division despite not kicking a ball, as third-placed Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City in second played out a goalless draw.
The south-coast club are 10 points clear of Cardiff – though have played three games more – with Charlton a point further behind.
