Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United shared the spoils after playing out a 1-1 draw at The Valley this afternoon.
Kayleigh Green capitalised on Jodie Hutton’s error to put Charlton Athletic ahead in the first half before Bex Rayner levelled matters for Sheffield United in the final minutes of the game.
The first chance of the game fell to Sheffield United forward Isobel Goodwin. She beat off the challenge of Elisha N’Dow before firing wide across goal.
Charlton Athletic then took the lead in fortunate circumstances. Sheffield United full-back Hutton misplaced her pass back to goalkeeper Fran Stenson and Green nipped in to score.
Sheffield United responded and Sophie Barker tried her luck from distance before Ash Hodson ballooned an effort over the bar. Goodwin then closed down Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Sian Rogers but the ball bounced the wrong side of the post before Hodson drilled a shot wide of the near post.
Both sides looked dangerous on the attack early in the second half. Sheffield United were causing particular problems from set-pieces and they saw a couple of corner kick deliveries cleared off the goal-line. At the other end, Carla Humphrey was presented with a good opportunity but she slipped as she took aim on goal.
Sheffield United had a few great chances to equalise in the final 20 minutes. First, Goodwin raced towards goal but was denied by Rogers before Molly Graham headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner kick. Charlotte Newsham then got on the end of a free-kick only to be denied by Rogers.
The Blades continued to push forward in numbers and Barker was the next player to be denied by Rogers before Rayner fired home a 91st-minute long range rocket to level matters for her side.
Karin Muya had the final chance of the game for Charlton Athletic but Stenson came up with a huge save as the contest ended 1-1.
Next weekend’s Barclays Women’s Championship action sees Charlton Athletic travel to Reading while Sheffield United will play host to Sunderland.
About The Author
