Charlton up to third in table after Bruton strikes late to see off Sheffield United

Charlton Athletic are up to third in the FA Women’s Championship after substitute Lauren Bruton scored a late winner against plucky Sheffield United.

It was a fourth consecutive victory for Karen Hills’ side.

The Blades were unlucky to fall to defeat in their first Championship match since Neil Redfearn resigned and looked like they would earn a point until Bruton’s 80th-minute winner.

In a first half with few chances at The Oakwood, neither side managed to find their rhythm.

The away side started well with good pressing, but only forced one save. Bex Rayner’s effort came from too tight an angle to trouble Sian Rogers in goal.

The ball was in the back of the net at one point, after one of a few dangerous inswinging Blades corners, but the referee had already blown for a foul.

The second half started with more intensity from both teams, but still lacked a moment of quality to break the deadlock.

Addicks manager Hills rolled the dice with 20 minutes to go, withdrawing centre-back Elisha N’Dow for forward Bruton.

Almost immediately a chance came, as Bethan Davies dropped a cross in front of Johnson, but the striker’s backheel was smothered by the recovering keeper.

United had chances of their own from consecutive corners, with Rogers first saving well from Ellie Wilson before Hartley saw a goalbound effort cleared off the line.

Charlton finally broke the deadlock from a corner of their own, Bruton justifying her manager’s faith by firing home from close range after a scramble.

Hills said: “It was a tough game. Both sides played some good football, but the game was quite an ugly one from start to finish.

“We knew we had to come out and try and stay patient in the second half. Stay focused, have that belief and hopefully that was going to be able to get us some chances. And thankfully for us, we scored from a set-piece that won us the game.

“It’s good to keep a clean sheet, obviously that breeds confidence in goalkeepers and back fours.

“I’m really pleased for Bruton getting on the end of it, but I just want to say as well, I thought Sian Rogers was excellent and pulled off an outstanding save to really keep us in it.

“They could have quite easily nicked it 1-0. Credit to Sheffield. They played really well and their defence kept us at bay but overall I’m really pleased with the team performance.

“It’s four on the bounce and keeps our momentum going in the league.”

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PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD