West Ham became just the third team to take points off Chelsea in the Women’s Super League this season, Shekiera Martinez scoring a late equaliser to rescue a 2-2 draw.

Chelsea appeared to be cruising towards their 17th win of the campaign after scoring twice in the opening 21 minutes.

However, Martinez’s 42nd-minute strike dragged West Ham back into the game, before the Blues were left to rue their own missed opportunities in front of goal when the German forward levelled in stoppage time.

The draw moves West Ham up to seventh and cuts Chelsea’s lead at the top of the WSL to six points. However, Sonia Bompastor’s side remain unbeaten and on course for the title despite the “disappointing result”.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bompastor said: “This block of fixtures has been crazy. Eight games in 28 days – we travelled a lot, we played four games in a row against Manchester City where the players left everything on the pitch.

“It is hard to have the energy but at Chelsea, we have enough depth and quality to finish this block of fixtures with a better result.

“We conceded too many situations defensively but when you look at the bigger picture, we are six points ahead of the second-placed team. Every team would wish to be in our position.”

Chelsea flew out of the blocks at Kingsmeadow, having five shots in the opening 10 minutes before Maika Hamano made the breakthrough, volleying home on the turn after Ashley Lawrence headed a cross back across the box.

Aggie Beever-Jones doubled their lead five minutes later, linking up with Sjoeke Nusken and Catarina Macario before guiding the ball beyond Kinga Szemik with the outside of her boot.

Chelsea could have added several more, with Macario, Erin Cuthbert – who saw a long-range effort hit the bar – and Nusken all going close.

Martinez pulled a goal back for West Ham on the stroke of half-time, hammering home from inside the box after being picked out by Riko Ueki.

The visitors grew into the game in the second period, with Hannah Hampton forced into a couple of sharp saves before Martinez headed back across the goal to rescue a deserved point for West Ham.