Johnson hat-trick secures emphatic win for Charlton Athletic at Coventry United
Melissa Johnson’s dazzling hat-trick helped Charlton to an emphatic 4-1 win at Coventry United in the FA Women’s Championship on Sunday.
The 31-year-old struck after 10 minutes at the Butts Park Arena before doubling her tally midway through the first half.
Emily Simpkins gave the visitors an unassailable lead shortly after the interval and Johnson completed her hat-trick late-on.
January signing Morgan Cross netted a consolation for United, who are nine points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Johnson’s opener saw the striker win possession upfield before audaciously lobbing Eleanor Heeps in the Coventry United goal.
Her second finish was far simpler, benefiting from Simpkins’ excellent cross to tap home.
The hosts had the ball in the back of the net six minutes later, but a clash of heads in the build-up saw it ruled out.
Midfielder Freda Ayisi was the source of Charlton’s third, slipping in Simpkins to slot into the bottom corner for her sixth goal of the season.
It took until the 81st minute for Johnson to grab her eighth of the campaign, combining well with Ayisi to fire home.
A classy finish from Cross, bending her shot past the diving Sian Rogers, gave the Red and Greens something to celebrate.
But the day belonged to Johnson and the Addicks who are 10 points off leaders Bristol City with two games in hand.
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
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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