The Charlton Women made it three wins out of five and moved up to third in the FA Women’s Championship after an impressive 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at The Oakwood on Sunday afternoon.
In a fiery encounter, it was the visitors who started the game on the front foot, attacking at Charlton from the wide areas immediately from kick-off.
Charley Clifford was booked in the eighth minute for a late tackle on a United midfielder. Moments later, the visitors had a good chance to open the scoring, but Bex Rayner’s effort flew high over Katie Startup’s goal.
The Addicks started got into their stride soon after, with the midfield linking well with each other to create chances.
Charlotte Kerr lobbed the ball forward to find Liz Ejupi whose effort was safely collected by the United shot-stopper.
Minutes later Charlotte Gurr floated in an inviting free-kick towards the far post. The ball found Kit Graham whose volley flew past the post.
On the half hour mark Ejupi sent a superb cross into the box which almost caused the visitors to score an own goal as Gilliatt’s deflection looked destined to hit the back of the net, however Alex Brooks did well to save the embarrassment.
Charlton finally opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Graham sent in a cross to Amber Stobbs who poked the ball into the goal.
The visitors attempted an immediate comeback but Kerr did well to get back and stifle the attack.
Charlton dominated most of the second half, on the hour mark a fantastic point-blank save from Brooks saw Graham’s effort blocked.
Nine minutes later Sheffield United’s Sam Tierney got sent off for a second yellow after a late challenge on Lily Agg.
The Addicks sealed their win with a perfect strike from Clifford to round up a great day. The midfielder composed herself at the edge of the box and slammed her unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Sheffield United didn’t give up, and Startup was called into action, being forced to make a fantastic save. A powerful header seemed destined to hit the back of the net, however the 19-year-old acrobatically tipped the ball wide.
Moments later Startup made an outstanding double save to ensure a clean sheet for the Addicks.
Charlton move up to third in the FA Women’s Championship and face local rivals Millwall next weekend. They are next at home on Sunday, November 4th and tickets can be purchased online here for the fixture.
Charlton: Startup, Kerr, Ritchie, Coombs, Clifford (Bennett 80), Gurr, Stobbs, Bailes (Agg 56), Graham (Bryan 85), Maple, Ejupi.
Subs (not used): Wheeler, Griffin, Bowers.
Goals: Stobbs (42), Clifford (72).
Yellow Cards: Clifford, Bryan.
Attendance: 214.
Match sponsor: Igor Vetokele.