A 5-0 loss away to a strong Arsenal side has failed to dampen spirits for Birmingham City Ladies.

Jane Ludlow hit a hat-trick as Marcus Bignot's young charges were swept aside by a team competing in this season's UEFA Cup.

But a haul of just two points from their opening three fixtures has left Blues leading the amateur clubs in the FA Women's Premier League, where they sit sixth.

Fulham, the league's only professional side lead the table after scoring 19 goals to win their opening four fixtures.

Semi professional Arsenal are second with three wins from three matches, having scored six in each of their two opening games.

Doncaster Belles and Charlton are also semi pro sides and fifth placed Leeds United are paying some of their squad despite not officially going semi-pro.

Blues' unwaged stars visit bottom of the table Tranmere on Sunday (ko 2pm) looking for their first top flight win.