Karen Hills’ Addicks completed an unbeaten campaign on the road with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground.
Kayleigh Barton broke the deadlock on the hour mark, tapping in from close range and securing all three points for the Addicks in DH5.
The hosts came off the blocks raring to go, pressing for an opener early on. Elizabeta Ejupi collected the ball inside the penalty box, turning on a sixpence before Elisha N’Dow made a vital interception to deny the forward from unleashing a strike.
Rebecca McKenna was first to sting the palms of Claudia Moan in net for the home side. The full-back ran the length of the Sunderland half, taking it past the opposing defender and firing an effort goalward, forced out for a corner.
Shortly after, Melissa Johnson was sent one-on-one with the Lasses’ stopper, thanks to some quick thinking from Barton. Fortunately for Melanie Reay’s side, Moan was quick off her line to deny the forward.
On the hour mark, the Addicks went ahead through Barton. Johnson’s initial effort was palmed as far as Barton on the penalty spot, allowing the forward to tap in with ease and fire Charlton in front.
The Welsh international came close to netting a brace just ten minutes later, a similar scenario to the first saw a vital challenge at the back post to deny Charlton of going two goals to the good.
Up the other end, Beth Roe was called into action in the Addicks’ penalty area, making a well-timed challenge to stop a dangerous opportunity.
In the dying embers, substitute Tegan McGowan let fly from the edge of the box with a powerful effort, earning a corner for Hills’ side with moments to spare.
Charlton: Gray, Roe, N’Dow, Skeels, McKenna, Ross, Barton (McGowan 79), Longhurst (Humphrey 58) ©, Filis, Ayisi (Addison 58), Johnson
Subs (not used): Rogers, Muya, Bashford, O’Rourke, Pearse
Goal: Barton 60
