Charlton Athletic Women promoted to the Championship after victory in play-off crunch against Blackburn

Charlton Athletic Women have been promoted to the Championship after a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in a FA WPL decider.

The Addicks won the southern section of the competition with Blackburn, who also suffered play-off defeat a year ago, lifting the title in the northern section.

And it was Rovers who took the lead at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane through Lynda Shepherd. She converted from the penalty spot after Saffron Jordan was brought down by Sam Pittuck.

Natasha Flint also had a 40-yard strike hit the post with Charlton keeper Katie Startup beaten.

Charlton got back on level terms through the prolific Kit Graham. She nodded home Charley Clifford’s cross just before half-time.

And the South Londoners led at the interval after Georgia Griffin headed in Nicole Pepper’s delivery.

Charlotte Gurr had a great chance to make sure of the outcome late on when Graham was brought down. But Blackburn keeper Danielle Hill saved the midfielder’s spot-kick.