Set-piece woes for Charlton as they lost 4-3 to London City Lionesses

Charlton manager Karen Hills admitted her team’s set-piece defending was not up to scratch as they lost 4-3 at home against London City Lionesses on Sunday.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of Jamie-Lee Napier and Atlanta Primus as Charlton struggled to adapt to the early pace.

Emily Simpkins cut the Lionesses’ lead ahead of the break, before Emma Follis drew Charlton level early in the second half.

Amy Rodgers put Melissa Phillips’ side back into the lead with a thunderous strike from 20 yards, before Lily Agg got a fourth.

Corinne Henson added a consolation deep into injury time, but it was a case of too little, too late.

Hills said: “Ultimately, on another day, you score three goals and you win the game. It was probably an exciting game for the neutrals but it wasn’t for us in the dugout. But I was pleased we showed that grit and determination to get ourselves back in it when we were 2-0 down

“We always look at the positives. We also look at the performance, and make sure we were better than last week – we scored three goals. We conceded more, and obviously we need to be better in that area but we know that. We’ll look and reflect on it.

“This league is all about set-pieces. If the deliveries are right and people are going to put their head on it, it’s a problem. We are normally pretty good, but today was one of those days.

“Credit to City though, they’re a good side. We gave it a go, but it was a transitional game, a little scrappy, and we’re still a new group.”

The Lionesses were very much intent on a fast start and they soon had Charlton on the back foot.

Harley Bennett confidently strode out of defence to part the red-shirted midfield, proceeding to set away Lucy Fitzgerald.

The full-back’s cross was not claimed by keeper Sian Rogers and Napier profited, swivelling sharply to poke home while on the floor.

Primus made it two just five minutes later, firing in from the edge of the area. But, just as it seemed the floodgates might open, Charlton were given a lifeline.

Karin Muya clipped Beth Roe’s heel as she surged into the box, referee Lauren Impey awarding the spot kick from which Simpkins confidently beat Shae Yanez.

Follis had the home crowd on their feet 10 minutes after the interval with a lovely equaliser. Lifting the ball off the ground, she calmly guided her shot into the corner to breathe life into the contest.

Rodgers had other ideas, though.

Seeing her initial shot blocked, she wasn’t going to be denied twice, hitting a clean, dipping effort to put the Lionesses ahead again.

Agg bundled home off the back of a scrappy corner to re-establish the Lionesses’ cushion, although Henson had the final say, side-footing in at the death to cap the scoring on an entertaining afternoon at the Oakwood.