The top four all won on a weekend that saw the fascinating Barclays Women’s Championship title race continue to rage.
Charlton Athletic held on to top spot thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over neighbours Crystal Palace.
There was a very long break in play at the end of the first half after an injury to Charlton’s Freya Godfrey.
The visitors made the decisive breakthrough on 63 minutes when Freda Ayisi slammed home after seeing her initial shot saved, maintaining her side’s slender one-point lead at the top of the table.
Kitching and Scarr power Lasses to victory
On Saturday, Sunderland briefly moved top with a commanding 2-0 win over Blackburn.
Set-piece specialist Katie Kitching opened the scoring with a fine free-kick, catching the goalkeeper off guard and finding the far corner two minutes into the second half.
The Lasses had a goal ruled out five minutes later when Amy Goddard’s header was ruled offside but Emily Scarr poached a third goal in two to wrap up the result.
Our fans, with us all the way 🥰#SAFCWomen pic.twitter.com/rNVaSzC63G
— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) January 28, 2024
The scoreline could have been more emphatic had Liz Ejupi’s effort not been cleared off the line in the dying moments.
Six of the best for Blues
Birmingham City remain the form horse and a stunning first-half strike from Cho So-hyun helped them to a narrow 1-0 win over London City Lionesses.
The South Korean star fired home on seven minutes to make it six wins on the spin for Darren Carter’s side.
We all love Cho! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/AJiIQrnkfS
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCWomen) January 28, 2024
However, the scoreline was actually a poor reflection of the game. The visitors created enough chances to claim a point, with Tinaya Alexander hitting the crossbar in the first half and Leanne Cowan shooting just wide later on.
Saints prevail at Bramall Lane
A first-half strike from Katie Wilkinson helped Southampton beat Sheffield United 1-0 and stay in touch at the summit.
Former Blade Wilkinson slotted home from close range to break the deadlock on 11 minutes and it would prove enough to take maximum points back to the south coast.
Slotting it home against her former side!#BarclaysWC @SaintsFCWomen @katiewilko10 pic.twitter.com/8IbhbnhJw6
— Barclays Women’s Championship (@BarclaysWC) January 28, 2024
The hosts came into the game off the back of successive 3-0 defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, and again they failed to find the net against the high-flying Saints.
Youngster Eva Butler was handed her league debut late on as the Blades searched for an equaliser, but they could not find a way through as Saints took the win to keep up the pressure at the top.
Golden Girls grab maximum points
On a day that saw the pacesetters thrive, bottom side Watford claimed a precious 2-0 win over Durham.
The Wildcats needed a win to keep in touch with the teams at the top, but instead left Maiden Castle with nothing against a side who last won in the league in September.
Goals from Carly Johns and Coral-Jade Haines proved the difference on the day, with Watford deserved winners.
The North London side were able to see the game out comfortably with defeat leaving Durham still in sixth, but well off the pace of the top five.
Taking the W back down south. 🤳 pic.twitter.com/4hz16aLaPX
— Watford FC Women (@WatfordFCWomen) January 28, 2024
Wellings rescues point for Reading
Meanwhile, Reading equalised at the death to draw 2-2 with relegation rivals Lewes.
The Rooks dominated the game and held a two-goal lead with 80 minutes gone thanks to goals from Maria Farrugia and Grace Riglar.
The Royals then hit back, first through Bethan Roberts and then Charlie Wellings to salvage a draw and keep Lewes three points behind them in the table.
A performance full of character 👏 pic.twitter.com/IlZgSToMwu
— Reading FC Women (@ReadingFCWomen) January 28, 2024
