Report | Crystal Palace 1 Charlton 2

REPORT | Crystal Palace 1 Charlton 2

Charlton secured back-to-back league victories after a well-taken Emily Simpkins penalty and a silky finish from Melissa Johnson wrapped up all three points at Selhurst Park. 

It was a crisp November afternoon in SE25 with the hosts bringing the heat in the opening exchanges having the first attack on Rogers' goal. 

But just before the quarter hour mark Charlton put their noses in front being awarded a penalty after Palace keeper Fran Kitching came out and brought down forward Melissa Johnson inside her area. 

Skipper Emily Simpkins stepped up for the spot kit and chipped it right down the middle to convert her fifth penalty this season. 

The rest of the first half was an evenly matched display with both teams enjoying a battle in midfield, Elisha N'Dow received the first booking of the derby picking up a yellow card for a heavy challenge. 

Just before the interval the Addicks doubled their advantage when Angela Addison came galloping down the left flank and crossed a beautifully weighted ball to Johnson who one-on-one with the keeper put her ball into the back of the net. 

Tegan McGowan almost made it three before half time but her strike came off the crossbar and away.

After the break, Charlton saw themselves controlling the ball comfortably and defending their scoreline well.

But, the hosts were back in the game in the 63rd minute when Felicity Gibbons sent her free kick strike into the top right corner just beyond Rogers' reach. 

Palace continued to push forward creating chances with the support of the home crowd, Bailey-Gayle continued to look a threat down the right edge. 

In the 83rd minute Simpkins nearly found her second of the afternoon but her low shot was just pushed out by Kitching between the sticks. 

Palace almost got a late equaliser after Annabel Blanchard threaded a pass into Hughes who attempted to flick the ball with her back to goal past Rogers but her chance went inches past the post. 

The Addicks remained defensively sharp and ground out the win to record back-to-back league victories. 

Charlton: Rogers, N'Dow, Johnson, Simpkins, Addison(Bruton 73'), Skeels, Rutherford, Roe,  McGowan (Follis 56'), Henson, Ross

Substitutes (not used): Gray, Newborough, Ayisi, Logan, Bashford, O'Rourke, Bell

Booked (yellow): N'Dow (39), Roe (55), Henson (61), 

Goals: Simpkins (16') Johnson (44')

Crystal Palace: Kitching, Johnson, Filbey, Reilly, Gibbons, Haines, Olding, Barton, Bailey-Gayle, Sharpe, Silbey

Goal: Gibbons (63') 

Attendance: 1,969

Article by Olivia Marino 

Charlton return to The Oakwood on Sunday, November 27th to take on Bristol City in the Continental Cup group stage. Click here for tickets.Charlton v Bristol City

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