The Addicks suffered their second defeat of the season as Southampton clinched a 1-0 victory with a deflected goal.
It was a bittersweet day for Hills' side, as Charlton legend Beth Roe stepped onto the pitch for her 100th appearance, celebrated on her birthday.
The first half saw dominant spells from both teams, with the Addicks creating chances that were handled well by the Southampton defence. Barton, Brazil, and Bradley each had opportunities to score; notably, Barton recovered the ball in the 29th minute and passed it to Brazil, who squared it back, only for Stenson to collect it securely.
The Addicks' best chance of the half came from Newsham, whose shot bounced off the woodwork just minutes before halftime.
Hills made a change at the start of the second half, bringing Muya on for Barton. Charlton came out with intent, with Skeels firing their first attempt of the half just over the bar in the opening minute.
In the 70th minute, Beth Roe went down and was replaced by O'Rourke, receiving loud appreciation from the home crowd.
The only goal of the game came in the 79th minute when Gregory's shot wasn't effectively cleared, allowing Bourne to find the back of the net off a deflection.
As the minutes ticked down, the game turned scrappy. The Addicks dug deep, searching for a last-minute equaliser—something they’ve become known for. However, the final whistle blew with the south coast side successfully keeping the Addicks at bay and preserving their lead.
Charlton: Whitehouse, Newsham, N'Dow, Bradley, Filis (Siber 89), Brazil, Hutton (Pearse 72), Barton, (Muya 46) Skeels (c), Bashford (Ademiluyi 82), Roe (O'Rourke 72).
Subs not used: Gray.
Goals: N/A.
Yellow Cards: Bashford 77.
Southampton: Stenson, Brown (Mott 84), Bourne, Purfield (c), Collett, Peplow (Griffiths 64), Palmer (Peake 90+4), Kendall, Gregory, Dean (Rowe 46), Pike.
Subs not used: Rendell, Haaland, Nohasiarisoa, Watson, Thompson.
Goals: Bourne 79.
Yellow Cards: Peplow 12, Purfield 55, Bourne 62, Palmer 75.
Attendance: 661
