Charlton edge Blackburn 3-2 to lead the Barclays Women’s Championship | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic’s crucial third goal was scored by Kate Longhurst. (Liam Asman/SPP)

With Birmingham City’s game off, Charlton Athletic took the chance to return to the top of the Barclays Women’s Championship.

Charlton Athletic 3-2 Blackburn Rovers Lewes 1-1 Durham Reading P-P Birmingham City London City Lionesses 0-2 Crystal Palace Southampton 3-0 Watford Sunderland 3-0 Sheffield United

Charlton Athletic had to battle hard to see off Blackburn Rovers by the odd goal in five. Alex Brooks tipped a Melissa Johnson effort for the Addicks onto the bar and Beth Roe out away the rebound. Mel Filis doubled the advantage but Millie Chandarana got one back. Kate Longhurst fired Charlton 3-1 up late on, Jemima Dahou making for a tense finish with a stoppage-time response.

Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Sheffield United put them in second place, one point behind the leaders. The Black Cats struck twice in quick succession approaching the hour, Ellen Jones intercepting a clearance and slotting home, Katie Kitching’s cross falling to Emily Scarr for the second. Katy Watson led a late break from which Scarr got her second goal of the game.

Crystal Palace won the capital clash 2-0 at London City Lionesses, to move up to third position. Midway through the first half, a Fliss Gibbons whipped corner kick was headed home by Hayley Nolan. The win was secured in stoppage-time, when a free-kick from Helen Blanchard hit the bar, Chloe Arthur’s follow-up was blocked but Elise Hughes found the back of the net.

Sophia Pharoah bagged a three-minute brace for Southampton. (Tom Phillips / SPP)

Southampton are now fourth but still goal-difference behind Crystal Palace, following a 3-0 victory over Watford. The Saints made the breakthrough five minutes before half-time through Megan Collett, Sophia Pharoah then bagging a swift brace around the hour mark with a volley and 30-yard lob.

Durham forced a draw at Lewes with a very late leveller. Grace Rigler gave the Rooks the advantage in the second half but deep into added time, an effort from Eleanor Ryan-Doyle was deflected into the hosts’ net.

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