Charlton Athletic's winless run continues as they face their ninth consecutive defeat in the Women’s Super League (WSL) as Crystal Palace staged a remarkable comeback to secure a last minute 3-2 thriller over the Addicks in the South London derby.
After a tense first half, the hosts maintained their composure and took the lead late in the second half through Lexi Lloyd-Smith, who slotted home after goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse bundled her cross into her own net.
Charlton quickly equalised via a Elisha N’Dow header after Kiera Flannery’s penalty hit the crossbar, making it 1-1. Leah Davidson soon doubled their advantage.
The visitors thought they had their first top-flight victory since the 2007-08 campaign, but their hopes were dashed as Palace levelled again, through captain Aimee Everett, with Bethany England’s last minute goal making it 3-2.
Stalemate at the Break despite Charlton Pressure
Charlton began the half very dominant, creating chances and getting into pockets of space, quickly earning their first corner of the game with a high shot over the net, giving Palace an early scare.
Both teams counterattacked and pushed up the pitch, Katie Lockwood and Jodie Hutton continuing to impress for the Addicks and getting into good areas, with Whitehouse making several excellent saves to deny the hosts.
Although Palace created some bright spells, they looked sloppy at times and found it difficult to maintain possession, attempting to win the ball back and drive forward, but struggled to be clinical in front of goal.
The goalkeepers also put in strong performances, Whitehouse keeping the Eagles at bay and Pauline Peyraud-Magnin doing well to prevent Charlton from finding a breakthrough.
The Addicks continued their strong momentum, with Lucy Fitzgerald and Kiera Flannery being team standouts. Hutton also came close to finding the net but her opportunity was squandered as her effort missed the target.
As the half progressed, both sides continued to search for an opening, but neither team could find the advantage.
Half time: Crystal Palace 0-0 Charlton Athletic
A Thriller of a Second Half in Sutton
It was much livelier after the break, Palace getting into good areas and Charlton threatening with a good shot from out wide that was saved by Peyraud-Magnin.
The Eagles continued to push forward, creating chances, but were unable to take the lead, while Hutton came dangerously close again on the counter attack, only for Palace to clear the danger.
Whitehouse was called on again as Palace threatened down the left, eventually breaking the deadlock through Lloyd-Smith in the 57th minute.
Charlton continued to search for an equaliser, with a penalty awarded to the Addicks after a foul on Cassandra Korhonen by Teyah Goldie. Although Flannery’s spot kick initially bounced off the crossbar, they soon followed up with a N’Dow header, making it 1-1.
Leah Davidson quickly doubled their advantage two minutes later, the Addicks putting Palace under pressure as they searched for a third goal.
Both sides attempted to find a way forward, before Aimee Everett brought the score level with England wrapping up a dramatic turnaround for the Eagles.
Full time: Crystal Palace 3-2 Charlton Athletic
Palace boss Jo Potter - Seeking Victory and Mentality
Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter discussed the Eagles’ impact on the match and how they managed to keep fighting in the second half.
‘Your team had several bright spells throughout the first half, creating chances and being clinical in front of goal. What were you expecting from the squad as you searched for a breakthrough in the second half?’
“I think we need to start a little bit better. We didn’t start the game very well. I thought we were a little bit nervy. I think we could see maybe the enormity of the game and what the players felt about how big of a game it was to them.
Once we’ve relaxed, I always say we play better when we go 1-0 down and then 2-0 down, and then the girls turn up and really go for it. So, we need to find a balance, as I said previously. We’ve got to make sure that we’re controlling large elements of the game better than we did today.”
Crystal Palace return to WSL action on Saturday 14th November (12:45 KO) away against Manchester United, while Charlton travel to West Ham on Sunday 15th November (14:00 KO). Potter’s side look to push further away from the relegation places, meanwhile Hill’s Addicks still seek their first three points since a return to the topflight.