The Addicks were condemned to their second league loss of the season on Sunday afternoon as Reading ran out 1-0 victors.
Charlie Wellings’ long-range strike ultimately separated the sides at The Oakwood, ending Charlton's 12-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Women's Championship.
There were shouts for a handball in the Royals’ penalty area in the 17th minute as Kate Longhurst was slipped in behind, eventually crossing for Kayleigh Barton whose goalbound flick was blocked at point-blank range, though the referee dismissed claims for a penalty.
Shortly after, the Addicks were awarded a spot-kick when Barton was hacked down in the box. The prolific scorer stepped up and struck her effort off the post, rebounding off the back of Emily Orman and behind for a corner.
Despite their attempts, Charlton fell behind shortly before the interval. A loose pass in the midfield saw Wellings intercept the ball from 25 yards out and the Reading forward took aim from distance, hammering an effort over Sian Rogers and into the back of the net.
Hills’ side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and created a handful of chances early on, coming closest during a goalmouth scramble in which several players let fly. Beth Roe posed the biggest threat as her strike was denied from close range, before eventually being cleared by the Royals.
With 22 minutes remaining, Barton struck the woodwork once again, this time nodding against the upright from six yards.
Substitute Melissa Johnson was next to test Orman in the Reading net, but the forward's effort was turned behind for another Charlton corner.
The Addicks fired several efforts goalwards in the closing stages, but the visitors continued to frustrate Charlton and held onto their lead, with Orman saving a last-ditch header late on.
Charlton: Rogers, Skeels, N’Dow, Pearse (Ross 68), Roe, Longhurst (c) (Humphrey 68), Filis, McKenna, McGowan (Johnson 68), Barton, Addison (Muya 68)
Subs (not used): Gray, O’Rourke, Bashford
Attendance: 285
