BLUES Ladies slipped further adrift in the National Division relegation zone as they emerged from the first half of the most daunting domestic fixture double pointless.

Birmingham went down 3-1 to champions-elect Fulham at their Woking FC home on Sunday.

The visitors could take some positives from the margin of defeat after losing last season's League Cup final 7-1 to the same opposition and even had the cheek to go 1-0 up through Steph Samuels.

But a less-than-convincing Fulham hit back to sink Blues, who had doubled their goals tally for the season.

Unfortunately for Birmingham manager Marcus Bignot, fellow strugglers Everton recorded a surprise 3-1 win at Leeds United to open up a four point gap on the Valley Stadium side occupying the second relegation spot.

Bottom side Brighton went down 4-1 to Arsenal and Birmingham have three games in hand to Everton but one of them will be played at home to Arsenal tonight (Wednesday, ko 7.45pm).

Vic Akers' semi-professonal side are blazing a trail in the UEFA Cup this season and are widely-tipped as Fulham's only serious title challengers.

The Gunners have won all five league matches in a perfect start to the season and have rattled 11 past Sheffield Wednesday in a League Cup tie.

Blues visit lowly Brighton in the Second Round of the Premier League Cup on Sunday (ko 2pm).