By Georgia Garnett at The Valley
CHARLTON suffered an agonising 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton in the Women’s Championship last Sunday afternoon on their return from the international break.
Tara Bourne scored the winner ten minutes from time for Southampton, the first time they had scored against Charlton since being promoted to the Championship for the 2022-2023 season.
The loss means Charlton remain winless since their 2-0 victory at Blackburn on September 29.
Jodie Hutton had the first chance in the tenth minute, but the Southampton defence cleared.
Kayleigh Barton set up Ellie Brazil on the half-hour mark, but Fran Stenson made the first of many saves for Southampton.
In the final moments of the first half, Katie Bradley crossed to Charlotte Newsham, but Stenson got her fingertips to the ball to deny the Addicks.
The hosts almost made the breakthrough at the start of the second half but Kiera Skeels put her effort over the crossbar following a corner.
Sophie Whitehouse made a crucial save six minutes later from Jemma Purfield’s shot.
Hutton’s corner nearly broke the deadlock but Stenson was able to punch the ball up and away from the net.
Hutton and Mel Filis had opportunities before Whitehouse made another key save for the Addicks to deny Aimee Palmer.
Purfield had a shot for Southampton three minutes later that was headed away by a Charlton defender.
Saints finally broke the deadlock as Bourne pounced on Freya Gregory’s shot to finish.
Substitute Gracie Pearse shot from close to midfield, but Stenson made another save.
Stenson denied Bradley and Pearse in added-time to ensure her side secured the points.
Charlton have fourteen points with eight games played, and dropped down to fifth place in the Championship standings.
Charlton return to action on November 17 at home against Bristol City, with kick-off at 2pm.
