Charlton’s unbeaten women stretched their lead at the top of the Barclays WSL2 table to four points with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday. 

Katie Bradley’s early strike was enough for the Addicks to claim all three points against the side who were sat in second place at kick-off as their brilliant start to the season continued. 

Karen Hills’ side opened the scoring with their first sight of goal of the afternoon with just seven minutes on the clock. 

After nicking back possession inside the box, the ball was laid off to Bradley 22 yards from goal and she caressed a shot towards the bottom right-hand corner, squeezing just inside the post to give the league-leaders a valuable lead. 

Shortly after, Karin Muya saw a shot well saved by Birmingham stopper Lucy Thomas, but the home side would begin to get on top thereafter to test Charlton’s stern defence. 

Rebecca Holloway sent a good-looking shot just wide of the post from 25 yards for the hosts but, despite dominating possession during the first half, the Blues did not do much to test Sophie Whitehouse in the Addicks’ goal as the visitors headed into half-time with a one-goal advantage. 

The theme would continue into the second half with the home side seeing plenty of the ball while the red shirts of Charlton kept them at bay with chances remaining at a premium. 

As the clock ticked into the last 15 minutes, Blues sub Ava Baker tested Whitehouse twice in quick succession, before the Addicks’ custodian pulled off an outstanding save to keep out Martha Harris’ powerful point-blank header from the resulting corner. 

It was the first time the hosts had really threatened to wipe out their opponents lead during the second half, a fact which was due to Hills’ well-drilled side’s continued game management as they excellently defended their lead. 

With Birmingham continuing to push for a leveller, Christie Harrison-Murray sent a header flashing just past the post in injury-time, but it was to be Charlton’s day as they fast approach a calendar year of remaining unbeaten in the league. 

The Addicks return to action at The Valley on Sunday when they host Southampton (2pm). 

Birmingham City: Thomas, Harris, Holloway, McKenna, Herron (Cooke 90), Harrison-Murray, Crosthwaite, Cornet, Hurtre (Baker 73), Sarri, Ji. 

Subs (not used): Franch, Newell, McGowan, Quinn, Bance, Mannu. 

Charlton: Whitehouse, Newsham, N’Dow, Lobato, Pearse, Hutton (Siber 84), Flannery, Bradley, Muya (McAteer 60), Fitzgerald (Bissell 78), Thestrup (Kenney 60). 

Subs (not used): Pedersen, Ross, Barratt, Finlayson, Chime. 

Booked: Hutton 72 (foul)

Goal: Bradley 7