Charlton's women gave yet another impressive performance on the pitch in their midweek Subway League Cup fixture by defeating WSL outfit Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 at Broadfield Stadium.
The Addicks showed plenty of promise in the first half, despite surrendering the majority of possession, before Mary McAteer gave them the lead in the 18th minute when her cross from the left bounced straight into the net, stunning the Seagulls.
The lead continued for the rest of the half, despite a few shots on target for the Seagulls. Charlton’s number 21, Anna Pedersen proved to be a safe pair of hands throughout, tipping Maelys Mpome’s close-range header over the bar just before the break.
Brighton made five changes in the second half with an injury resulting in Heron coming off on a stretcher, while Karen Hills sent on four sets of fresh legs to keep the Addicks ahead.
Emma Bissell rattled the crossbar with a cross/shot in the 55th minute, while at the other end Caitlin Hayes hit the post, narrowly missing an equaliser.
A number of chances came and went for Brighton, including a rocket from distance by Maisie Symonds, but Pedersen continued to impress in goal, keeping the hosts at bay.
The Addicks continued their impressive defensive form and game management right up to the final whistle, delivering another 90 minutes of football with unstoppable grit to secure all three points in Group C.
Secure your seat now for Charlton's next home fixture, this Sunday v Bristol City (KO 2pm) at The Valley.
Charlton: Pedersen, Newsham (Bradley 46), Ross, Pearse, Bissell, Kenney (Barratt 65), Siber (Finlayson 65), McAteer, Lobato, Flannery (Fitzgerald 46), Chime (Muya 82)
Subs (not used): Whitehouse, Thestrup, Nelson-Iye, Johnson
Booked: Bradley 72 (foul on Symonds)
Goal: McAteer 18
Brighton & Hove Albion: Baggaley, Mpome (Hayes 46), Kafaji (Camacho 46), Noordam (Symonds 46), Carabali, Auee, McLauchlan (Milner 46), Tsunoda, Martin, Heron (Warren 53), Gay
Subs (Not Used): Nnadozie, Poulter, Balmer
Booked: Kafaji 40 (foul on Newsham)
Attendance: 566