Women’s football round-up: Charlton come from behind to remain undefeated in the Championship and Palace make WSL history

Charlton Athletic came from behind to avoid their first FA Women’s Championship defeat of the season in their 3-3 draw with Sunderland on Sunday.

Katie Kitching put the visitors ahead after eight minutes at The Valley with a sublime free-kick, which she curled around the Addicks wall and beyond goalkeeper Jessica Gray.

Defender Jessie Stapleton nudged the Black Cats further in front in the 24th minute when she reacted quickest inside the area from a deflected shot to head past Gray.

Karen Hills’ side pulled one back in the 31st minute.

Jodie Hutton crossed to the back post and Kayleigh Barton headed over Sunderland stopper Demi Lambourne.

Jenna Dear thought she had sealed all three points for Sunderland when she put them 3-1 up in the 78th minute with a volley from a corner.

But a brace in the 81st and 84th minutes from Karin Muya gave the Addicks a point.

Charlton stay top of the Championship – one point ahead of second-placed Durham.

“I’m really pleased with the performance,” Hills told Charlton TV.

“Going a goal down so early in the game, it wasn’t a chance to panic – we knew we would have the quality to come back.

“There were some really good moments for us. We showed a lot of character, grit and determination to get us over the line.

“The last 10 minutes showed what we’re about as a group. We fight for each other and believe in what we’re trying to do.”

London City Lionesses got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory over bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth.

Teyah Goldie scored after 17 minutes with Isobel Goodwin scoring four more to take the Hayes Lane-based side up to fourth in the Championship.

Millwall Lionesses blew a two-goal lead and suffered a late draw with Sutton United on Sunday.

Ted Jones’ side were 2-0 up after 65 minutes following a brace from Ciara Watling, but the U’s scored in the 67th and 91st minutes to deny the Lionesses.

“Everybody felt disappointed coming out of the game,” said Jones.

“We should have taken our chances and killed the game when we had the opportunity. Sutton had two chances and scored both.

“It’s probably one of the most one-sided draws I’ve seen in ages,”

AFC Wimbledon were comprehensively seen off 3-0 by table-toppers Hashtag United.

United netted all of their goals in the first half as the Dons continue to find their feet in the A Women’s National League South.

They host Milton Keynes on Sunday.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD