Arsenal had briefly reclaimed top position with a 5-0 win over Leicester earlier on Sunday.

But Jessie Fleming's opener set Emma Hayes' side on their way as they extended their winning run to six games.

Victory in all of their remaining games will give Chelsea their third successive WSL trophy.

Chelsea imposed their authority with four second-half goals - and England's first was the best of the bunch as she slammed a superb volley past Reading keeper Grace Moloney to make it 2-0.

Reading's determined defence frustrated Chelsea in the opening half with Moloney and Natasha Harding denying them early opportunities.

But Canadian Olympic gold medallist Fleming found the breakthrough goal when she calmly chested down England's header and slotted it into the top corner with a half-volley, and Chelsea never looked back.

Kelly Chambers' Reading, who are now winless in eight games, did not trouble Chelsea with any clear-cut chances. Rachel Rowe came closest when she hit her long-range effort over the crossbar.

Meanwhile, Chelsea set a new WSL record by keeping a seventh consecutive clean sheet at home.

Blues boss Hayes was full of praise for England, who scored her sixth and seventh goals of the season, for finding her form towards the end of the season.

"Her approach and mentality has been first class," Hayes told Sky Sports. "She's just coming into top form right in time for us and England as well this summer."

England was equally pleased in her recent upturn in form.

"I didn't have a strong start to the season, I was battling with a few things - mentally and game-time and stuff. I'm starting to find a rhythm now," she said.

"I'm just enjoying my football at the minute and I'm glad it's showing."