Emma Follis’ spectacular free-kick secured Aston Villa an eighth win of the campaign against London Bees at The Hive.

The league leaders went ahead through Amy West but were pegged back on the stoke of half-time by Lauren Pickett’s composed finish.

But Follis struck from a set piece to ensure Villa’s unbeaten start to the season continues in the FA Women’s Championship.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges with Sophie Haywood causing problems down the right flank.

In the fifth minute Jodie Hutton saw a shot cleared off the line by Bees defender Ellie Wilson with goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill stranded from a Follis corner.

Ten minutes later Follis’ low cross just evaded the stretching Haywood with the goal gaping.

Villa made the breakthrough in the 24th minute from another threatening Follis delivery.

The winger’s corner was flicked on by a Bees’ defender, allowing Amy West to ghost in at the back post to touch home unchallenged.

The visitors’ continued to control the game but were punished on the counter on the stroke of half-time as Lauren Pickett raced clear to slot past Sian Rogers and level the scores.

After the interval Villa’s control continued with Follis forcing a fine reaction save from Quantrill before Nadine Hanssen headed wide from the resulting corner.

London Bees were limited to long range strikes but rarely troubled Rogers in the Villa goal.

With time running out Follis stepped up with a moment of quality, curling a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards to seal the spoils.

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