Kirby side-footed in her first from Erin Cuthbert's cross and Cuthbert also created England's opener.

Kirby then curled a fine third for the Blues before the break.

England slid in to convert a fourth and Kirby's penalty and England's header sealed victory.

The chances of Chelsea retaining their league title look slim following another win for leaders Manchester City, who beat Everton 3-1 to maintain their six-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea.

A home win never looked in doubt from the moment a fine team move culminated in Kirby's second-minute strike, setting the tone for a one-sided match at Kingsmeadow,

After England's 15th goal of the season made it 2-0, Kirby added her 12th of the campaign, cutting inside and curling home after Sophie Ingle's ball over the top.

And England and Kirby both completed their trebles in the second half against an increasingly dispirited away side.