Saints finish fourth in Women's Championship after defeat at Charlton

SOUTHAMPTON FC Women fell to a 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic to finish fourth in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side had already beaten their Championship points tally from last season (33).

However, they could have finished second had they beaten The Addicks on the final day, who finished second themselves.

The hosts had been hopeful of securing promotion and did their part, but Crystal Palace's draw against Sunderland was enough to see them promoted instead.

Spacey-Cale named an unchanged team from the side that beat London City Lionesses 3-1 at St Mary's last Sunday.

Despite naming a winning side, Saints got off to a disastrous start in the capital and fell behind inside four minutes.

Wales youth international Tegan McGowan dispossessed Kayla Rendell before finishing into an empty net.

Saints came agonisingly close to an equaliser on two occasions as Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Lucia Kendell struck the crossbar.

Defenders Bethan Rowe and Elisha N'Dow had to make vital tackles to ensure their side went into the break still in front.

It was then Molly Pike's turn to hit the crossbar just after the interval as Southampton continued to search for a way back into the game.

The away side were made to pay for those missed chances when McGowen grabbed her second of the game on the hour mark.

The 19 year old slotted in from close range after a good drive into the box.

Southampton's afternoon was made worse when Wales international Alice Griffiths was forced off just minutes later.

McGowan almost rounded off a brilliant afternoon by completing a hattrick when she danced past two defenders, but her effort was met by Rendell.

Southampton's fourth-place finish is two positions higher than they achieved in their maiden Championship campaign.

They have also earned six points more than last year and have managed to finish the season without drawing a game.