FA Women’s Championship: Charlton miss chance to climb off bottom of the table

BY MITUL SAMJI

Charlton are still bottom of the FA Women’s Championship after a 1-1 home draw with Blackburn on Sunday.

It was a game of two penalties with Rachel Newborough putting the Addicks in front only for Elise Hughes to level.

Charlton remain bottom of the table but ended their five-match losing streak at Hayes Lane and have games in hand on those above.

Blackburn were in complete control in the opening stages, as the hosts struggled to get out of their half.

Rovers had the first chance when Charlotte Newsham squared the ball to Hughes – her low effort flew straight at Eartha Cumings.

The Addicks took their time to steady themselves before Beth Lumsden’s curling effort went wide of the post.

Charlton’s Elisha Sulola was brought down by Ria Montgomery in the penalty box. Newborough converted her penalty.

Rovers applied further pressure and Hannah Roan’s header was cleared off the line by Ella Rutherford.

Blackburn were awarded a spot-kick on the hour mark after Cumings brought down Newsham with Hughes converting into the bottom-left corner.

The visitors twice went close to a winner when Jordan and Georgia Walters both sent efforts inches away wide of the post.

Addicks defender Coombs said: “We defended so well at the back which is one of the key positives. We have struggled defensively this year, but we gained a key point and have to convert our chances into goals. Hopefully the three points will come.

“We won the midfield battle really well and the two forwards helped our back four. We made Blackburn play wide and our full-backs done a great marking the wingers. They were physical and won a lot of fouls.

“We have to squeeze up the pitch a little bit more in their half and keep doing the right things.”

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PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD