Ella Rutherford put in a player of the match performance to give Charlton Athletic a 3-0 win over Birmingham City in the FA Women’s Championship yesterday.
The Addicks stormed to the win at The Valley thanks to two first-half goals, first from Rutherford and then through Angela Addison.
The third came courtesy of an own goal by Birmingham City keeper Lucy Thomas following a long-range effort from Rutherford.
Charlton’s second win of the season means they move into third, three points behind leaders Bristol City, while newly-relegated Birmingham City drop to fifth.
Rutherford scored Charlton’s opener inside five minutes, as she slotted home from the edge of the box after a cushioned lay off by Emma Follis.
Charlton Athletic Women v Birmingham City Women, Barclays Women’s Championship, The Valley, 18 September 2022 Picture : Keith Gillard
Birmingham pressed for an equaliser, but in the 40th minute Addison put Charlton two-nil up as she passed the ball into the net after a dangerous Rutherford corner.
Five minutes were added on to the first half following injuries to Follis and Hannah Godfrey, and in that time Rutherford almost extended Charlton’s lead with a delicious free-kick.
Substitute Mia Ross almost did likewise, as she hit the crossbar with a firm header from yet another pin-point corner by Rutherford.
Charlton added their third five minutes into the second half, as a well-struck Rutherford shot from outside the box hit the post and then fortuitously ricocheted in off the back of Thomas.
Birmingham City searched for a consolation, but they couldn’t unlock the Charlton defence while the Addicks had two glorious opportunities of their own through Melissa Johnson to score their fourth.
Rutherford said: “We wanted it from the off. We were on the front foot. We set ourselves the target today to be together and fight for each other and that is where the game is going to be won and lost. Obviously we had our game plan but that was where it was won and lost for me, just that we fought for each other.
Charlton Athletic Women v Birmingham City Women, Barclays Women’s Championship, The Valley, 18 September 2022 Picture : Keith Gillard
“I’m over the moon with my goal and performance. It was a bit of a rough pre-season for me personally. I picked up an injury so I’ve just been working really hard to get back into the team and I’m just happy to help out.
“I’m 100 per cent claiming the third goal. It has hit the post and hit the keeper and gone in, that’s what I’ve seen, so yes.
“There’s not one player that stood out for me. From back to front we fought for each other and it’s all about the togetherness for us. We’re one big family here.
“I’m so proud of all the girls today and their performance so on to the next.
“We’re taking each game as it comes. Obviously this league is really competitive so we can’t get ahead of ourselves now. We’ve got the three points, we’re just looking ahead to next week.”
To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship coverage visit https://faplayer.thefa.com/home/all
