Charlton regained top spot of the FA Women’s Premier League South Division after a dominant 5-1 win against Cardiff City at home on Sunday afternoon.
A hat-trick from inform forward Charlotte Gurr and a brace from Kit Graham secured Charlton’s 13th win in their last 15 fixtures in all competitions.
Ferocious Start
Charlton didn’t waste any time as they threatened within the first minute – Addicks duo Gurr and Graham linking up very well but the resulting effort on goal was saved by Cardiff keeper Estelle Randall.
Minutes later, the visitors responded well with an attack of their own as Ella Powell was put through on goal, but fortunately for the home side, Katie Startup was quick to react to the danger and retrieve the ball.
In the 15th minute, Charlton were on the attack again thanks to Graham who won the ball on the halfway line, forcing opposition keeper Randall in pulling of another save after a dangerous counter attack.
It wasn’t too long before the Charlton stamped their mark on the game, going 1-0 in the 16th minute, a through ball from Gurr setting up her strike partner Graham who fired past Randall and into the back of the net.
Two-Goal Advantage
Four minutes after taking the lead, the home side made it 2-0, this time with the roles switched, Graham setting up Gurr to put her through on goal with a fantastic pass.
Cardiff responded and looked to get back into the game, only to be denied by a couple of fantastic saves from Startup to keep the score line as it was.
The visitors’ patience soon paid off as they were awarded a penalty. Cori Williams stepped up and converted the penalty, making it 2-1 and game firmly back on.
Cruise Control
Minutes later Cardiff had shot themselves in the foot by conceding a free-kick 25 yards from goal, Gurr stepped up and hit a sublime strike into the top right-hand corner of the goal, restoring her sides two goal advantage and making it 3-1.
With Charlton in the ascendancy, they continued to dominate possession for the rest of the first half.
The home side’s dominance soon led to a fourth goal, Gurr combining once again with Graham who converted a shot from inside the box after a tussle with the opposing defenders, making it 4-1 on the stroke of half time.
Momentum continued in the second half for the Addicks, in the 53rd minute of the game, the home side had a penalty shout waved off by the officials.
It wasn’t too long before Charlton put the final nail in the coffin, Gurr completing her hat-trick after slotting home from Graham’s well weighted cross, making it 5-1.
Looking Ahead
Charlton Women will now swiftly turn their attention to their biggest match of the season this Sunday when they play Arsenal in the SSE Women’s FA Cup quarter-final as they look to progress over the 14-times winners of the competition.