Addicks end winless run as they take maximum points at Durham

Charlton ended a four-game winless run in all competitions with a 2-1 win over Durham in the FA Women’s Championship.

Melissa Johnson’s winner – after a penalty apiece from Beth Hepple and Emily Simpkins – settled an engaging encounter at Maiden Castle.

The visitors took the lead in the sixth minute when Sarah Robson brought Johnson down in the area, and Simpkins sent Naoisha McAloon the wrong way from the spot.

Parity was restored on 20 minutes when a handball in the box led to Hepple slotting a spot-kick into the bottom corner.

The Addicks went back in front five minutes before the break – good work from Simpkins in winning the ball back led to a perfect through ball to Johnson, who beat McAloon one-on-one.

Dee Bradley almost levelled again for Durham soon after with a 30-yard screamer, but Sian Rogers showed excellent agility to tip it on to the crossbar.

Counter-attacking football almost brought rewards for the South London side twice before the hour mark – Johnson and Simpkins guilty of wasting promising positions.

The away side continued to create chances, and arguably should have put the game to bed long before the final whistle.

Simpkins sliced wide following a good move before Johnson was superbly denied by McAloon.

The north-east side struggled to create much – their best chance came seven minutes from time when Becky Salicki glanced a header over from a free-kick.

But the final whistle condemned them to back-to-back home defeats, following a previously unbeaten record at Maiden Castle.

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PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD