The Charlton women’s team overcame tough conditions at the Olympic Legacy Park on Sunday to win 3-2 over Sheffield.
The Addicks who currently sit 2nd in the FA women’s championship found it hard to gain momentum, with the torrid wet conditions making it difficult for them to do so. Lily Agg had the first real chance of the contest, only to head straight at keeper Nikki Davies.
The hosts had a chance of their own early on, new signing Salmon looking dangerous. Good tracking back from the tenacious Harley Bennett thwarted one opportunity for the on-loan Manchester United forward, however a well-timed tackle from captain Grace Coombs denied her the opportunity to make it 1-0.
Danger zone
The visitors were the ones who broke the deadlock, Amber Stobbs looping a high cross from the right side of the pitch, into the opposition danger zone, where Graham was there to nod home from a yard out, making it 1-0 just before the half hour mark.
It was the home side who finished the stronger of the two sides in the first half; keeper Katie Startup colliding with Bex Rayner, allowing Veatriki Sarri a great chance to equalise, only to see the effort just go over the crossbar.
Kit Graham had a great opportunity to add to her tally for the season, as she flicked the ball over her marker before knocking it over Davies, only to head over the bar from close range, all this just 10 minutes after the interval.
Total Dominance
Just minutes later, Charlton doubled their lead, a cross across the 18-yard area, tapped into Agg’s path by Graham, and the striker making no mistake as she made it 2-0.
Game On
Sheffield were quick to respond however. A corner to the near post was bundled home by Cox, giving the neutrals a spectacle despite the conditions.
Goals Galore
With just 12 minutes left on the clock, Charley Clifford looked to have sealed the win for her side. The central midfielder, making her 243rd appearance, powered a fantastic set piece past Davies making it 3-1, restoring Charlton’s two-goal advantage.
Trailing by two goals and in desperate need of another quick response, Sheffield piled the pressure on the Addicks.
Game On Again?
One minute into stoppage time, Ellie Gilliatt neatly skipped past Amber Stobbs, who inevitably stuck her leg out in an attempt to defend, fouled the Blades captain. There was no hesitation from the referee in pointing to the spot. Salmon made it 3-2 giving the home side some hope as she belted the ball straight down the middle.
The game ended 3-2 to the visitors, who continued their impressive run of form with four wins from their previous five league fixtures.
