Goodwin Shines as London City Slot Four Past Charlton

London City Lionesses sent out a strong statement after a 4-1 win over Charlton Athletic at the Valley Stadium in London.

England international Isobel Goodwin opened the scoring on quick succession early in the first half for the visitors, while Jodie Hutton added a consolation goal for the hosts soon after. Jana Fernandez added a third just before the break, with Nicole Anyomi making it 4-1 before full time.

It was a much needed boost for London City, after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United left them seventh in the table and with a point to prove. Charlton were looking to bounce back after two successive defeats by Liverpool and Everton and were raring to go again against an ambitious side.

Ahead of kickoff and in the 13th minute of the first half, both teams and supporters paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, marking a year since his passing. 

It was all to play for in this match.

First half

Charlton started off brightly, controlling possession and making quick progress in attempting to find the opener, with several opportunities hitting the mark. 

London City then responded with a counterattack, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but they were unable to convert their chances. Summer signings and match debutants Kadidiatou Diani and Daniela Arques also made an impact, with the duo consistently testing the Addicks’ defence but were denied by goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse.  

Both teams attempted to find a breakthrough, with Goodwin eventually finding a way through the Charlton backline in the 13th minute, with a low footed shot in the bottom right hand corner before promptly slotting her second two minutes later, giving the visitors the advantage. 

The visitors then ran riot in possession and the ball with several excellent chances but they were wasted. Charlton aimed to claim a goal back with a few close calls, with their reward eventually coming in the 38th minute, where Jodie Hutton thumped the ball from close range to make it 2-1. 

However, any hopes of a comeback were soon dashed five minutes later as Jana Fernandez raced forward in the penalty box after a deflection off Ellie Mason, shortly restoring the Lioness's lead. 

Charlton attempted to get another one back but it was short lived. 

Half time: Charlton Athletic 1-3 London City Lionesses

Second half

London City continued their strong run of momentum after the break, controlling possession and driving the ball into the box, aiming to go one goal better but could not finish their chances, with one golden opportunity late in the half going wide.

With both sides attempting to get the advantage, there was a close chance for London City to score as they aimed to find a way through. 

There was also a good chance for Charlton near the penalty area, but it was ruled offside, with Charlton becoming increasingly more confident as the half went on. 

However it was soon short lived as London City added their fourth and final goal, with Anyomi finishing up after Danielle van de Donk’s initial shot was saved by Elene Lete. 

Both teams attempted to find a breakthrough late on in the half but it did not come to anything. 

Full time: Charlton Athletic 1-4 London City Lionesses

Attendance: 1,886.