Women’s football: Charlton Women make it a winning experience at The Valley
Charlton Athletic ended their season in the FA Women’s Championship on a high after coming from behind to beat Durham 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at The Valley.
Durham started brightly and Dee Bradley forced Eartha Cumings into making a great save after just four minutes.
Charlton then had a great chance to take the lead in the 14th minute after some delightful build up play, but Ella Rutherford’s effort was straight at Naoisha McAloon in the Durham goal.
In the 26th minute, Charlton thought they had taken the lead after Elise Hughes prodded in from close range, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
After neither side could find the net in the first half, Durham opened the scoring in the second half when substitute Lauren Briggs caught Cumings out with a fabulous strike from distance.
Charlton responded in the 67th minute when Katie Robinson beat her defender and supplied a cross for Emma Follis to run on to and equalise from close range.
Robinson then got herself on the scoresheet in the 78th minute. The Charlton winger danced around a Durham defender, before firing her shot into the bottom corner.
Durham began to pile on the pressure in their search for an equaliser and a stunning effort from Briggs was only denied by the post in the 89th minute.
Charlton held on to their lead, and ensured they ended the season in fifth place, while defeat for Durham resulted in them dropping to sixth.
Robinson said: “I’m really happy with the goal, but most importantly, I’m really happy the team played well and with the team getting the win.
“I think as a team we worked really hard the past month to improve our performances on the pitch and I think today rounded off the hard work we have been putting in.
“I’ve been working really hard since I joined the team, and I obviously want to score goals and help the team, so it meant a lot and especially with my family being here to see it obviously topped off the moment.
“I think finishing fifth in the league is something definitely we will take but I think we want to be higher up the table but I think all things considered we can say it’s been a pretty good season for us all and I know the girls will try to push even higher next year.”
To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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