KATY Ward was the toast of her Birmingham teammates after scoring her first league goal of the season to record a famous victory last night (Wednesday).

The first half strike earned Blues a 1-0 home win over Vic Akers' UEFA Cup hopefuls Arsenal, the first defeat they had suffered in the league for three years.

Blues manager Marcus Bignot described Arsenal as the strongest team in the National Division despite watching his charges lose 3-1 to title favourites Fulham on Sunday.

"It was a great result and closes the gap on everyone around us," he said.

"Arsenal are the best football side in this division but I'm sure Charlton will have something to say about that after drawing with Fulham last night."

Blues are still occupying the second relegation spot but climbed to within a point of Everton having played two matches less and have games in hand over the four sides above them.