Women’s football round-up: Charlton Athletic make strong start to Championship campaign

BY GINA BAGNULO

Charlton Athletic collected three points on the opening weekend of the FA Women’s Championship with a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth on Sunday.

The Addicks took just four minutes to break the deadlock when Ellie Brazil, a recent signing from Tottenham, drove the ball past Portsmouth goalkeeper Hannah Haughton after a cheeky back heel from Kayleigh Barton set up the shooting opportunity.

Jodie Hutton, another new addition from Sheffield United, made it 2-0 on 17 minutes as she capitalised on a long cross and swift pass into the Portsmouth box.

Charlton’s commanding position was improved even further on 24 minutes as Brazil collected her second goal. A long kick by Charlton keeper Sophie Whitehouse was headed on by Barton for Brazil to once again produce a finish past Haughton.

Brazil’s dominance on the pitch was even more impressive considering she had to recover from an ACL injury sustained at Tottenham during the 2022-2023 season.

“For me it’s just getting back out on the pitch and enjoying it and that’s exactly what Charlton have allowed me to do,” said Brazil. “I’m really grateful to be here, genuinely really grateful.

“It’s meant that I can get minutes under my belt, grow in confidence and just love the game again.”

Charlton finished second in the league last season with Crystal Palace pipping them for a place in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Brazil said:“It’s always hard when you miss out on winning the Championship like the girls did, it creates a different sort of fire in your belly.

“You’ve lost out by one point – it’s not like you’ve lost out by a lot. So we’re in it to win it as a lot of teams will be and today (Sunday) was just a stepping stone into that.

“We don’t need to go out today and score nine or 10 goals because that’s unrealistic. We just need to build on every single performance and having our first performance being a 3-0 win is a great place to start.”

Charlton did not let their guard down in the second half and had a number of attempts on goal. Karen Muya, who had just been subbed on in injury time, shot inches wide.

While Portsmouth were unable to start their season on a high, several of their players posed a formidable threat to Charlton on the pitch. Left-winger Sophie Quirk, in particular, had several strong shots.

Charlton are in action again this Sunday at Sheffield United, who lost 2-1 at Durham in their opening fixture. The match starts at 5.30pm.
London City Lionesses, now based at Bromley FC’s Hayes Lane, drew 1-1 with Newcastle United.

Shania Hayles had put the Toon in front in the 20th minute but it was cancelled out by Kosovare Asllani before the break.

Lionesses are on the road on Sunday as they make the long trip to Blackburn Rovers (2pm).

AFC Wimbledon drew 0-0 at home to Oxford United in the FA WPL Premier Division on Sunday.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD