The top two couldn’t be separated but there was meaningful movement in the lower reaches of the Barclays Women’s Championship
The hotly-anticipated clash between leaders Charlton and second-placed Sunderland ended honours even but there were seismic wins for Lewes and Sheffield United lower down the league.
Birmingham and Southampton, watched by a record 4,453 at Selhurst Park, also tasted victory on a wet weekend that did nothing to dampen spirits in the second tier.
Top two share thrilling draw
Katy Watson’s dramatic late leveller salvaged Sunderland a point in a frantic finale at table-toppers Charlton.
Katy Watson. Baller. 💫 pic.twitter.com/smhvpLjBow
— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) November 19, 2023
The two sides were only separated by goals scored going into the game and there was nothing between them in this fascinating top-of-the-table encounter.
Ten minutes into the second half Kayleigh Green blocked Claudia Moan’s clearance and Natasha Fenton then brought her down for a penalty – Green stepped up but her tame shot was saved by Moan.
Then substitute Jessica Brown raced onto Freya Godfrey’s pass to fire past Moan with a well-taken finish and take the lead.
Sunderland looked to be heading home without a point until a mix-up between Sian Rogers and her defence saw Watson tap home the equaliser.
Rooks outmaneuvre Lionesses
Lewes roared to their first home league win of the season with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over London City Lionesses.
The visitors hit the front after a defensive mix-up allowed Paige Satchell to steal in and smash home the opening goal on 16 minutes.
Lewes improved after the interval and pulled level just before the hour mark when Hollie Olding poked home after pinball in the 18-yard box.
The passion from Hollie Olding 🙌#BarclaysWC @LewesFCWomen pic.twitter.com/Gb5nlNCxSs
— Barclays Women’s Championship (@BarclaysWC) November 19, 2023
The Rooks were pouring forward in search of a winner and got their just desserts on 79 minutes when Anna Grey curled home a sumptuous free-kick to secure much-needed maximum points for the south coast side.
Goodwin fires Blades to victory
Isobel Goodwin scored twice in two minutes as Sheffield United moved six points clear of relegation with a 3-1 victory over relegation rivals Watford at Vicarage Road.
Both sides were in the bottom four ahead of kick-off and seemed difficult to split when Harley Bennett cancelled out Charlotte Fleming’s own goal.
“UP THE BLADES!” 👊@isobel_g08 x @jodie_hutton pic.twitter.com/N81WGyfqZI
— Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) November 19, 2023
But Goodwin struck in the 70th minute and again one minute later to edge the Blades further away from the foot of the table.
Blues keep pace with leaders
Durham slipped to their third defeat in five Barclays Women’s Championship matches with a 3-1 loss at Birmingham City.
Jade Pennock, Ivana Fuso and Remi Allen grabbed the goals at St Andrew’s as Blues kept up the heat on Charlton at the top of the table.
Eleanor Ryan-Doyle had pulled one back for the visitors but Allen’s strike on the hour mark proved decisive to help fire Birmingham to their fifth win on the spin.
Played: 3
Won: 3Another unbeaten month in the #BarclaysWC. 😍 pic.twitter.com/2SiuGYlpME
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCWomen) November 19, 2023
Saints spoil Palace party
A record Selhurst Park crowd were treated to a thriller – albeit not their desired result – as Southampton beat Crystal Palace 4-3 to leapfrog them in the table.
Molly Pike scored first for the visitors, Aimee Everett equalised then Ella Morris put the Saints back ahead before Elise Hughes levelled in an action-packed first half.
Hughes’ penalty then put Palace ahead before Rianna Dean equalised and Katie Wilkinson headed home to silence a bumper 4,453 South London crowd.
Katie Wilkinson coming in clutch! 🙌#BarclaysWC @SaintsFCWomen pic.twitter.com/eerrQHzSca
— Barclays Women’s Championship (@BarclaysWC) November 19, 2023
