Charlton Athletic made a winning start to the Barclays Women’s Championship season, beating Southampton 2-0 in front of 2,444 at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Charlton keeper Sian Rogers just did enough to turn a Katie Wilkinson free kick over the bar, before the Saints conceded a penalty.
Failing to clear their area, Megan Wynne brought down Angela Addison and Emily Simpkins fired the resulting penalty into the corner if the net.
Sophie O’Rourke’s effort from the corner of the box threatened to double the lead before the break, but Kayla Rendell tipped it away.
Saints were unable to make the most of a chance at the start of the second half, the Addicks going straight down the other end with Melissa Johnson slotting home.
The visitors were awarded a second spot-kick but Rendell pushed away Addison’s shot,while Rogers got down to deny Beth Lumsden a goal back in the 90th minute.
BWC Fixtures for Sunday 21 August (all live on The FA Player)
Durham v Sunderland (Maiden Castle, 12:30pm) – sold out
London City Lionesses v Crystal Palace (Dartford FC, 12:30pm)
Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United (Blackburn Rovers FC, 2pm)
Coventry United v Bristol City (Butt Park Arena, 2:30pm)
Birmingham City v Lewes (Birmingham City FC, 4:30pm)
