Haines’ stunner earns Crystal Palace derby win at Charlton in FA Women’s Championship

Coral Haines’ stunning first-half strike gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 derby day win away at Charlton Athletic in the FA Women’s Championship yesterday.

The win lifts the Eagles above their South London rivals and into fourth place in the table.

Charlton had two half-chances in the first 15 minutes as Elise Hughes shot over the bar, followed by Lois Heuchan’s header that also looped over the target.

The Eagles seized the lead midway through the first half as Haines struck a loose ball first-time about 25 yards out, a wonderful dipping strike into the top corner.

The hosts came close to equalising twice through Lois Roche’s corners – the first being on the half-hour mark which needed a finishing touch, while the second came 10 minutes later and clipped the post before being cleared.

Palace had a second goal ruled out in the 35th minute, when play was called back for an offside call against Molly Sharpe.

Sharpe came in on goal again straight after but her low shot inside the box was well parried by Eartha Cumings in the Charlton net.

Karen Hills’ side had a run of chances in the closing 20 minutes from sub Sophie Quirk, with her attempt from distance clipping the bar, followed by a close-range opportunity which was well blocked for a Charlton corner.

With six minutes additional time, there was a final chance for the hosts as Katie Robinson struck low from the edge of the box, only to be met by Emily Osman diving low to tip it wide.

Palace captain Annabel Johnson said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m so happy with the girls’ work rate, sticking to the game plan. I’m over the moon with them.

“We stuck to our game plan. We were happy to let the centre-backs have it. We knew it could involve a lot of defending. I can’t ask much more. Emily came out with a great save at the end, but she wasn’t troubled too much from all their attacking. Really pleased with the shape of the team, and the way they got their bodies behind the ball and stopped the opportunities.

“Unbelievable [the decisive goal]. Most times, I wouldn’t tell her to shoot, but the ball came into her, and she had all the time. Coral’s got great technique. She hit it, and I’m absolutely buzzing for her. She’s worked hard for that.

“Aall we’ve been about is the performances and hopefully ending up as high as we can. That’s just the cherry on top.”

Charlton Athletic midfielder Anna Filbey said: “It’s a frustrating one. It was a game of two halves. First half, they were more aggressive than us, came out better than us. In the second half, I lost count of how many chances we had. It’s just frustrating we didn’t put the ball in the back of net.

“I always have belief in the team and our forwards. The luck just didn’t fall for us today.

“We gifted it [the goal] to them. Obviously, we’re going to be frustrated, but we had enough chances to put it right. That’s why it’s a frustrating one.”

Charlton face another derby test next week when they visit London City Lionesses while Palace will host Blackburn Rovers.

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PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD