Barclays WSL2
Charlton Athletic maintained their unbeaten streak and stretched their lead at the top of the Barclays WSL2 table to
four points with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Katie Bradley’s seventh minute strike proved decisive, her 22-yard effort nestling into the bottom corner after a swift move.
Despite Birmingham dominating possession, Charlton’s resolute defence, led by goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, held firm. Whitehouse’s stunning save to deny Martha Harris’ point blank header in the closing stages ensured the Addicks’ lead remained intact, marking nearly a year unbeaten in the league.
Sunderland suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to Bristol City in an action-packed encounter at Eppleton CW, a result which takes City up into third place. The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes through Camila Sáez’ curling free kick, Gemma Lawley’s powerful header, and leading scorer Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s angled strike. Sunderland rallied with Katie Kitching’s neat finish and Mary Corbyn’s superb long range effort before half time, but despite a spirited second half push from the Wearsiders, a late penalty from Emily Syme sealed City’s victory.
Nottingham Forest staged a late comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Southampton. After Amy Rodgers set up Nahikari García for the opener, Mary Bashford equalised for the hosts. Jess Simpson’s header put Southampton ahead, but substitute Charlie Wellings turned the game on its head, scoring twice in the final minutes — both assisted by Rachel Rowe — to snatch all three points. The win strengthens Forest’s position in the WSL2 standings, taking them up to fourth place and showcasing their resilience on the road.
Newcastle United climbed to sixth in the table with a commanding 4-1 win over Ipswich Town, extending their unbeaten run to four matches in the process. Shania Hayles opened the scoring with a clever chested finish and she added a second shortly after the break. Molly Pike’s volley restored Newcastle’s two-goal lead after Kyra Robertson had pulled one back for Ipswich, before Emily Murphy’s stoppage time header sealed a dominant display. Interim manager Claire Ditchburn’s side showcased their attacking prowess, with summer signing Jemma Purfield making a late cameo.
Sheffield United secured a 2-1 victory over Durham Women at Bramall Lane, stretching their unbeaten run to four games. Mollie Rouse’s close range header from a corner gave the Blades the lead, and a penalty by Charlie Devlin early in the second half doubled their advantage. Beth Hepple’s late penalty for Durham made for a tense finish, but United’s game management ensured a second consecutive home win, with goalkeeper Sian Rogers playing a key role in keeping the visitors at bay.
Portsmouth meanwhile climbed off the foot of the table with a dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Westleigh Park. Angelina Nixon’s first half strike, capitalising on a goalkeeper error, gave Pompey the lead, but Annabel Blanchard’s deflected effort levelled matters before the break. Substitute Jessie Gale proved the heroine, calmly slotting home a late winner after Ella Rutherford’s quick free kick caught Palace off guard. The victory, Portsmouth’s second of the season, sparked jubilant scenes among the home faithful.
Leading goalscorers:
5 - Beth Hepple (Durham Women);
3 - Mary Bashford (Southampton);
3 - Lily Crosthwaite (Birmingham City);
3 - Rianna Dean (Ipswich Town);
3 - Charlie Devlin (Sheffield United);
3 - Rio Hardy (Bristol City);
3 - Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace);
3 - Jodie Hutton (Charlton Athletic);
3 - Katie Kitching (Sunderland);
3 - Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Bristol City);
3 - Batcheba Louis (Birmingham City);
3 - Michaela McAlonie (Southampton);
3 - Emily Scarr (Sunderland);
