In a challenging night of the 2024/25 Women's League Cup, Charlton Athletic’s suffered a 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Despite sitting at the bottom of their group and being unable to progress further in the competition, Charlton were determined to put up a fight and show their attacking intent.
The match began with both sides coming out strong, but it was Charlton who struck first. In the 9th minute, Charlotte Newsham opened the scoring with her first goal for the club, giving the Addicks an early lead. However, Aston Villa quickly responded with an equaliser. In the 24th minute, Villa captain Rachel Daly found space in the box and slot home the equaliser.
The momentum shifted in Villa’s favour after the goal, and they took control of the match. Ebony Salmon put the home side ahead in the 38th minute with a well-taken goal, making it 2-1.
In an effort to change the tide of the game, Charlton made three substitutions at the break. Sophie Whitehouse replaced Jessica Gray in goal, while Atlanta Primus and Mel Filis came on for Elisha N’Dow and Ellie Brazil, respectively.
Unfortunately for Charlton, their hopes of a comeback were setback just one minute into the second half. A strike from Salmon – her second of the match – extended Villa’s lead to 3-1, leaving Charlton with a mountain to climb.
The Addicks made some more changes replacing Kayleigh Barton with Gloria Siber and Princess Ademiluyi also came on for Katie Bradley as Charlton sought to inject fresh energy into their performance.
Villa sealed their victory with a fourth goal in the 84th minute when Rachel Daly scored again.
Charlton are unable to progress in the competition, but the team will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming league fixtures. Up next is Birmingham City away.
CHARLTON: Gray (Whitehouse, 45), Newsham, N'Dow (Primus 45), Pearse, Bradley (Ademiluyi 68), Brazil (Filis 45), Hutton, Barton (Siber 68), Muya, Skeels, Bashford
GOAL: Newsham 9
SUBS (unused): Chime, Mitchell-Ramon
