Charlton Athletic Women up to third in Championship after 2-1 derby win over Crystal Palace

Charley Clifford scored a last-gasp winner to help Charlton overcome local rivals Crystal Palace 2-1 to go third in the FA Women’s Championship.

Riteesh Mishra’s side looked set for a frustrating afternoon at The Oakwood as goals from Liz Ejupi and Jordan Butler left the score at 1-1 heading into stoppage time.

However just as hope seemed lost, Clifford fired in a 95th-minute winner for the Addicks after a scramble in the Palace box. It condemned the visitors to a fourth straight defeat.

Charlton went into Sunday’s match hoping to extend their 100 per cent record at home this season and it was not long before they had edged in front.

A defensive mix-up in Palace’s ranks saw the ball ricochet into the path of their top scorer Ejupi, who slotted past Shanell Salgado for her sixth goal of the campaign.

The home side went close to doubling their lead as Harley Bennett struck the bar with a looping effort. Parity was restored when Butler bundled in Ciara Watling’s corner from close range as half-time approached.

It was the first goal Palace had scored in 383 minutes and only the second Charlton had conceded in five home games.

Mishra’s side regrouped during the break and piled on the pressure for most of the second half, but Palace withstood their onslaught and twice went close to completing their comeback through Chloe Burr.

But substitute Clifford netted with the last kick of the game.

Clifford said: “We’ve been performing well here this season – hopefully our 100 per cent record will persuade people to keep coming to watch us.”

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IMAGE BY TOUCHLINE PHOTOGRAPHY