Women’s football round-up: Charlton exit FA Cup after Chelsea defeat and Dons get off to winning 2025 start

Charlton Athletic Women were knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage after a 4-0 defeat at Super League heavy hitters Chelsea.

The Blues, who have won the competition three times in the last four years, only took the lead against Karen Hills’ Championship outfit in the 40th minute through Mayra Ramirez.

But Sonia Bompastor’s team quickly doubled their advantage in first-half added time when Guro Reiten converted a penalty beyond Jessica Gray.

Aggie Beever-Jones and Niamh Charles wrapped up the tie in the second half to secure Chelsea’s spot in the next round.

“I’m disappointed, I never like to lose football matches,” Hills told CharltonTV.

“But when you’re playing one of the best teams in the world with unbelievable players, who didn’t hold up – they went full force – my players were up against it from minute one.

“We were incredible. We work so hard for each other. We spoke a lot about the togetherness this week as we knew that we were not going to have the ball for a long period of time.

“We needed to stay disciplined and the players did that right through to the very end. We should be proud – they’re a top, top side who haven’t lost this season.

“We created some really good moments. Even in the second half, when we had a bit more belief, we started to play.

“I would say most of them play an eight or a nine out of 10 this season. We should take a lot of confidence from that game heading into the second half of the season.”

Chelsea are now 17 games unbeaten under French boss Bompastor.

“I’m happy with the result,” she said.

“I’m happy with the performance. It’s never easy to start the second part of the season with a cup game – Charlton were a good team.

“When we scored the second goal, mentally and physically, Charlton gave up a little bit – it was an easier game after for us.”

Key player Lauren James made her first start in three months after suffering a calf injury.

“It’s great to be back, to be honest,’ James said.

“I’m really glad we got the win and glad that I came off the pitch healthy.

“I’ve missed the feeling of being out on the pitch. I’m happy I’ve been able to get back playing and now I can push on. Hopefully, I can contribute to the team even more.

“After a long break, you never know what can happen, so it is good for us to start the year with a win. Hopefully, we can build on that and everyone keeps spirits high.’

Hayes-Lane-based London City Lionesses breezed past fifth-tier Fulham, who were the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, 5-0 at Craven Cottage.

A hat-trick from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, wth goals from Kosovare Asllani and Issy Goodwin, booked the Lionesses spot in the next round.

Boss Jocelyn Precheur said before the match: “You will call me arrogant if I say [we can reach] the final. However, if I tell you another answer, it means I don’t believe in my team.

“We’re hoping our journey will be as long as possible. We will take it game by game. If we qualify and play a team at the top of the Women’s Super League, we will do our best to qualify again.”

AFC Wimbledon kicked off their 2025 with a 1-0 win over Oxford United.

The Dons moved up to fourth in their first season in the National League Southern Premier Divison – nine points behind league leaders Hashtag United – through Ashlee Hincks’ 39th-minute strike.

Millwall Lionesses picked up a late point at Dorking Wanderers in the London and South East Women’s Regional Football League, with Victoria Lussambo scoring in the 95th minute to secure a draw.

PICTURE: ALAMY