REPORT | SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 CHARLTON 0

REPORT | SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 CHARLTON 0

Charlton suffer narrow defeat to Sheffield United after a first-half finish from Georgia Walters earned the hosts all three points at Bramall Lane. 

The Addicks entered Sunday’s matchup having secured eight wins in a row, whilst The Blades were in search of their first win since early January. 

Sheffield earned themselves the first chance of the afternoon with an early free-kick taken by Bex Rayner but her cross evaded everyone.

Three minutes later it was skipper Emily Simpkins who had a strike but some resilient United defending saw her shot blocked.

Rayner continued to prove to be a bright spark for the hosts as she was the next player to pose a real threat in the game but her low cross was well covered and cleared by Kiera Skeels.

Just before the half-hour stage Angela Addison came surging into the box but her strike was eventually hooked away by United.

The closest chance of the half came in the 32nd minute when a Sheffield corner ball rattled off the crossbar and forced a goalline Charlton clearance.

The hosts found a breakthrough two minutes before the interval when Charlton's free-kick was cleared and counter-attacked by Sophie Barker her cross was squared into the path of Georgia Walters who put the ball into the back of the net. 

The Addicks came out strong after the re-start Simpkins sent in a great free kick targeted towards Mia Ross which was gathered well by Fran Stenson.

Just shy of the hour mark Freda Ayisi came into play as she looked to inspire her side. Lauren Bruton then broke down the middle of the park she played her pass into Addison who attempted to chip the keeper but her shot found the roof of the net. 

Walters then comes forward for the hosts but her strike sailed above the crossbar, Melissa Johnson then looks to equalise soon after but her shot is wide of the mark.

Charlton’s closest opportunity in the match came ten minutes from time when Johnson broke free on the right flank she squared her ball into Alex Hennessy who just dragged her strike wide.

The Addicks welcomed Lois Roche onto the field in the 87th minute, the midfielder was involved in her first piece of action since April 2022 returning from an ACL injury.

Sian Rogers then produced two big stops to deny the hosts from extending their advantage just before the 90 minute mark. 

Karen Hills' side created the bulk of chances in the seven minutes of additional time with both Heidi Logan and Johnson coming close, but the hosts held firm and edged out on top.

The Addicks return to The Oakwood on Sunday, February 26th to take on Birmingham City in Round 5 of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, click here to secure your ticket.

Charlton v Birmingham graphic


Charlton: Rogers, N'Dow (Ayisi 58), Johnson, Follis, Simpkins (O'Rourke 75), Bruton (Roche 87), Addison (Hennessy 75), Skeels, Roe (Logan 87), Henson, Ross

Subs (not used): Gray, Soper, 

Booked: Simpkins, N'Dow, Roe, 

Sheffield United: Stenson, Newsham, Barker, Hartley, Riglar, Sweetman-Kirk, Cusak, Rayner, Paul, Walters, Haywood.

Subs: Davies, Wilson, Lord-Mears, Enderby, Wilcock, Muir, Francis-Jones, Brown, Graham 

Goal: Georgia Walters 

Read Time: 3 mins