Charlton’s promotion hopes dented by 1-1 draw at Blackburn

Charlton’s FA Women’s Championship promotion aspirations were dented as they were held 1-1 at struggling Blackburn last night.

Freda Ayisi cancelled out Chloe Williams’ first-half strike as the Addicks missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Bristol City.

Rovers remain winless since November last year, but they at least moved themselves a further point clear of rock-bottom Coventry.

The visitors threatened first when Angela Addison curled a shot inches off target from the edge of the box.

However Rovers, without absent head coach Gemma Donnelly, replied with defender Jade Richards heading narrowly over as she rose highest to meet Niamh Murphy’s corner-kick.

The visitors were thwarted by the woodwork just before the half-hour mark.

Melissa Johnson squared the ball superbly to Bethan Roe, only for her 20-yard drive to thump the crossbar and bounce to safety.

Minutes later Addicks skipper Emily Simpkins saw an angled strike hit the top of the bar, before Rovers responded by opening the scoring.

Williams drilled home her maiden Rovers goal from 12 yards after meeting Murphy’s perfectly-weighted pass.

Ayisi was denied by a goal-line clearance in the 58th minute, while Rovers keeper Alex Brooks was proving a safe pair of hands.

Brooks was finally beaten nine minutes later.

Ayisi tucked home a smart low effort after latching on to Johnson’s cross.

Addicks sub Lois Roche came closest to nicking a late winner when she was denied by a smart Brooks save.

Simpkins said: “It’s probably two points dropped for us tonight, especially after that second half.

“We didn’t have the best first half but we came out in the second half and showed some real character.

“We definitely had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances. We are disappointed to be coming away with just the one point.

“Ultimately we’re frustrated and disappointed, but we said in the huddle after the game that we’re all proud of each other.

“We didn’t chuck the towel in, in that second half, so we’ve got to remember those kind of times and just keep going.

“We were getting a bit tired towards the end of the game and that affected our decision-making, but there’s no excuses.

“We’ve just got to keep believing.”

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