An end-to-end afternoon at The Valley on derby day, a hard-fought point for the two sides as the curtain is pulled on the 2022/23 campaign.
Charlton maintained their unbeaten record in SE7 since becoming a professional outfit with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Melissa Johnson ended an outstanding season on a positive note.
The first clear-cut chance of the afternoon fell to the Addicks in the 8th minute, a number of shots headed toward the Palace goal before the ball reached Melissa Johnson who cannoned her effort straight at the keeper from close range.
The visitors received their first opportunity of the game just moments after. Mia Ross’ headed effort was cleared off the line and Crystal Palace countered with speed, Haines sending a searching ball out wide to Doran whos effort is easily claimed by Rogers.
Charlton with a huge opportunity to take the lead on the quarter of an hour mark, Johnson yet again causing problems up front as she pounced onto a loose ball from the opposition, an almost certain goal was denied with a last-ditch tackle as the 31-year-old honed in on the goal.
An end-to-end first half continued as the visitors received a handful of promising opportunities 30 minutes in. This time Hughes latched onto a ball sent over the top of the Charlton defence as she sent a lofted effort straight into the hands of Rogers. The Charlton shot-stopper was unable to keep a hold of the ball as it rebounded to Blanchard who fired over from an awkward angle.
Blanchard yet again made things happen in the Charlton final third as she slipped a ball in behind to Sharpe, sending her one-on-one with the keeper. Rogers yet again played a vital role in keeping the scorers level with a clever save at her near post.
Another clear-cut chance for the Addicks’ as Addison found herself with acres of space inside the box, firing a low effort into the hands of Kitching from a tight angle.
Minutes before the half-time interval, Charlton received their final chance of the opening 45, Follis showing great composure to open up space with a feint on the edge of the box, her right-footed effort rifled straight at the keeper from the edge of the box.
Charlton opened the second half to the stronger side, firstly receiving a massive opportunity to open the scoring as Ayisi won the ball off of Gibbons on the wing. Four Addicks forwards surged toward the Covered End as Ayisi squared the ball to Johnson who was unable to convert from 4 yards.
Hills’ side took the lead in the 56th minute through Melissa Johnson. Fantastic work from Ayisi who skipped past her defender, slipping Johnson through on goal. The centre forward made no mistake and poked home from close range taking her tally to twelve in the Women’s Championship.
The Addicks lead lasted a mere eight minutes as the visitors levelled the scoring through Hughes. Filbey’s ambitious effort from distance deflected off of Skeels into the path of Hughes who fired her effort into the back of the net in the 64th minute.
With ten minutes to play, Charlton found themselves threatening the Palace box, Johnson slipping Hennessy in on goal. The 18-year-old showed great technique to take the ball around the keeper, however, the return ball to Johnson was intercepted from close range.
The away side received the opportunity to take the lead with 2 minutes remaining. Sharpe yet again with a decisive opportunity in the Charlton box, her effort energetically blocked by Bashford and out for a corner.
Charlton finalise the season in 4th place, four points ahead of today’s opposition who climb up into the 5th spot following Southampton’s defeat to Sheffield United.
Charlton: Rogers (Gray 45), Bashford, Skeels, Henson, O’Rourke, Ross, Simpkins © (Roche 58), Follis (Bruton 90), Ayisi (Hennessy 58), Johnson, Addison (Logan 84)
Subs (Not used): Soper, Bell
Goals: Johnson 56
Crystal Palace: Kitching, Johnson, Gibbons, Filbey, Everett, Sharpe, Blanchard, Olding, Hughes (Dean 84), Doran (Bailey-Gayle 72), Haines (Guyatt 87)
Subs (Not used): Negri, Smith
Goals: Hughes 64
Attendance: 656
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