Women’s football: Rutherford sent off as Addicks suffer home reverse to Leicester City

BY CALEB HUGILL

Ella Rutherford was sent off in the first half as Charlton’s struggles in the FA Women’s Championship continued with a 2-0 home reverse to leaders Leicester City.

Goals either side of half-time from Natasha Flint and Remi Allen maintained the Foxes’ flying start to the season.

Jonathan Morgan’s side got off to a bright start at VCD Athletic as the lively Paige Bailey-Gayle went close early on.

And the Foxes continued their early dominance as Flint fired over Eartha Cumings’ goal from range.

Charlton were forced to defend resiliently throughout the opening period as Leicester continued to knock on the door, with Charlie Devlin and Flint also going close as the first half progressed.

The key turning point came on 34 minutes when Rutherford – booked just 60 seconds before – received a second yellow card for another foul on Devlin.

And Leicester made their numerical advantage pay dividends just five minutes later when the dangerous Flint rifled home a rocket into the corner to put the Foxes in front.

The visitors took that lead into the break but Charlton rallied admirably after the interval, with Charley Clifford producing a big save from Leicester goalkeeper Kirstie Levell.

Riteesh Mishra’s side continued to push for an equaliser but it was Leicester who always looked closest to grabbing the game’s second goal, as Lachante Paul and substitute Millie Farrow both had chances.

And the visitors soon wrapped the game up as Allen’s header from an excellent Devlin cross kept the Foxes at the summit.

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PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD