Charlton’s women remain unbeaten and top of the table after taking a point away from Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, drawing 1-1 with Sheffield United.
The first effort of the match came early from the home side when the Blades' Joy Ralph fired a shot on goal in the second minute, but Sophie Whitehouse confidently pushed the shot over the bar.
As the half continued the Addicks displayed their characteristic strong defensive prowess, with Glória Siber and Elisha N’Dow making key blocks to stop the hosts from taking the lead.
At the other end, Karin Muya made a promising effort on goal for Charlton that escaped just wide of the net.
Sheffield United ultimately took the lead in the 26th minute when Amy Andrews headed in a left-wing cross from Abbie Lafayette.
The Addicks fought back, with Charlotte Newsham breaking forward and going for goal from distance with an effort which was caught by the Blades’ keeper Sian Rogers before it could hit the net.
It was Lucy Fitzgerald who ultimately levelled it for the visitors, hooking a shot assisted by Muya’s header past the Blades’ defensive line and into the back of the net, bringing Charlton level going into the break.
The Addicks came out fighting in the second half, looking to build on Fitzgerald’s equaliser with key efforts from Jodie Hutton and Katie Bradley that just about met the gloves of Rogers.
Meanwhile, Whitehouse continued to impress between the sticks for Charlton, saving powerful efforts from Devlin and Rouse, whilst Amelie Thestrup almost capitalised on a defensive error by the home side.
Newsham continued the Londoners' quest for a second goal, narrowly missing with a strike from range that hit the palm of the hosts' keeper.
More chances came and went for both sides as the clock ticked on and the Addicks came the closest when Mary McAteer fired a shot that was once again saved well by Rogers from a great position late one.
Ultimately Charlton finished the match on an even keel and with promotion hopes still alive, as Karen Hills’ side remain unbeaten and five points clear at the top of the league table.
The Addicks return to SE7 on Sunday, February 15th (KO 12 pm GMT) to host Durham for our annual Football v Homophobia game at The Valley.
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Charlton: Whitehouse, Newsham, N’Dow, Bradley (Ross 86), Fitzgerald, Hutton (Lockwood 61), Muya (McAteer 61), Siber, Thestrup (Kenney 61), Lobato (Bissell 87), Flannery
Subs (not used): Pedersen, Mason, Pearse, Waldie
Booked: Newsham 37 (foul on Bristow), Hutton 42 (foul on Bristow)
Goal: Fitzgerald 44
Sheffield United: Rogers, Cowan, Lafayette, Kinzett, Andrews, Ralph (Butler 75), Devlin (Thomas 92), Bristow, O’Rourke, Sherwood, Rouse
Subs (not used): Parker-Smith, Phillips, Watts, Thompson, Jones
Booked: Ralph 58 (foul on Thestrup)
Goal: Andrews 26
