Addicks stay perfect as Durham go second in Championship

By Luca Hamley, Sportsbeat

Charlton Athletic made it four wins from four as they triumphed away at Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Women’s Championship.

That puts them three points clear of Durham, who beat previously unbeaten Birmingham City, while Newcastle won the battle of the promoted sides away to Portsmouth.

Charlton stay perfect at Blackburn

First-half goals from Karin Muya and Elisha N’Dow ensured that Charlton stay top of the table with a 2-0 win on the road at Blackburn Rovers.

Muya got the ball rolling after just 11 minutes with Charlton controlling much of the early proceedings.

And they doubled their lead just after the half-hour when N’Dow was on hand to guide home Meg Filis’ corner.

From there, Blackburn threw everything at their visitors, but could not find a way through, with Charlton still having conceded just once all season.

Crosthwaite solo effort stuns Blues

Lily Crosthwaite earned Durham all three points against Birmingham City, leapfrogging them into second with a 1-0 victory.

Immediately after half-time, Crosthwaite pinched a ball around halfway before driving forward and firing home what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Hannah Blake had earlier gone close, with Abbie Holmes having a shot cleared off the line as Durham pushed for an opener.

Having struggled to find their footing in the first half, Birmingham pushed hard for an equaliser in the second but every time they threatened, Tatiana Saunders was up to the challenge, keeping them out.

Newcastle down Portsmouth in battle of the newcomers

Newcastle United have enjoyed a fine start to life in the second flight and they were victorious once again as they saw off Portsmouth, their fellow promoted side, 2-0.

Pompey are still searching for their first points and their first goal in the Championship, and could not manage either at home to the Magpies.

Amy Andrews opened the scoring for Newcastle, with a deft finish with the outside of her right foot after she was played in my Jasmine McQuaide.

It was a deserved lead and they doubled it in the second half, with McQuaide this time getting on the scoresheet. Isabella Sibley set it up, with a neat ball across the six-yard box, with McQuaide at the back post to poke it home and wrap up the points.

Saints back to winning ways against Blades

Second-half goals from Freya Gregory and Rianna Dean helped Southampton get the better of Sheffield United 2-0.

Saints had suffered a first defeat of the campaign at home to Blackburn a week ago, but they rediscovered the winning touch in this one.

After a goalless first half, it was Gregory who opened the scoring just after the hour, with a powerful strike back across goal from inside the box.

Shortly after that, she made way for Dean, with the substitute imitating the player she had replaced to clinch the win. Two minutes from time, she was played in by Rachel Rowe and made no mistake, slotting the ball home.

Fenton goal downs Lionesses

Natasha Fenton grabbed the only goal of the game as Sunderland came out 1-0 winners at home to London City Lionesses.

With two defeats from their first two games, Sunderland were hosting a London City Lionesses side who were still unbeaten.

But this was a tight affair that was decided just before the hour when Fenton was able to fire home Katie Kitching’s corner to put Sunderland ahead.

Demi Lambourne had to be alert in the Sunderland goal, with Kosovare Asllani always dangerous, including hitting the post late on.

Sunderland could have had the final say, but Emily Orman saved a late penalty as the game finished 1-0.