Haines’s stunning goal wins all three points for Eagles away against Addicks

By Football Reporter

Coral Haines’ stunning first-half strike gave Crystal Palace a derby day win away at Charlton Athletic in the FA Women's Championship.

The win lifts Palace above their south London rivals, and into fourth place in the Championship table.

Charlton had two half-chances in the first 15 minutes as Elise Hughes shot over the bar, which was followed by Lois Heuchan’s header that also looped over the target.

Midway through the first half, the Eagles seized the lead as Haines struck a loose ball first-time about 25 yards out, making a wonderful dipping strike into the top corner.

The hosts came close to equalising twice through Lois Roche's corners - the first being on the half-hour mark which needed a finishing touch, while the second came ten minutes later, and clipped the post before being cleared.

Palace had a second goal ruled out in the 35th minute, when play was called back for an offside call against Molly Sharpe.

Sharpe came in on goal again straight after, but her low shot inside the box was well parried by Eartha Cumings in the Charlton net.

Karen Hills’ side had a run of chances in the closing 20 minutes from sub Sophie Quirk, with her attempt from distance clipping the bar, followed by a close-range opportunity which was well blocked for a Charlton corner.

With six minutes additional time, there was a final chance for the hosts as Katie Robinson struck low from the edge of the box, only to be met by Emily Osman diving low to tip it wide, giving Palace all three points on the final whistle.

Charlton face another derby test next week when they visit London City Lionesses, while Palace will host Blackburn Rovers.

To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.thefa.com

Charlton Athletic (3-5-2): Eartha Cumings, Anna Filbey, Emma Follis, Elise Hughes, Lois Roche, Ella Rutherford, Beth Roe, Hannah Godfrey, Lois Heuchan, Jorja Fox, Mia Ross

Substitutes: Sophie Quirk for Follis 54, Katie Robinson for Heuchan 54

Substitutes not used: Natalia Negri, Becky Jane, Vyan Sampson, Hollie Olding, Jess King, Elisha Sulola, Sophie Quirk, Megan Wynne

Bookings: Godfrey 88

Crystal Palace (3-5-2): Emily Orman, Annabel Johnson, Gracie Pearse, Lizzie Waldie, Aimee Everett, Kirsty Barton, Isabella Sibley, Coral Haines, Sophie McClean, Alex Hennessy, Molly-Mae Sharpe

Substitutes: Millie Farrow for Hennessy 68, Bianca Baptiste for Haines 68, Grace Coombs for Sibley 86

Substitutes not used: Hope Smith, Leigh Nicol

Goals: Haines 22

Referee: Jack Packman

Attendance: 266

Charlton Athletic midfielder Anna Filbey said: “I think it’s a frustrating one. I think it was a game of two halves. First half, they were more aggressive than us, came out better than us. In the second half, I lost count how many chances we had. It’s just frustrating we didn’t put the ball in the back of net." On pressure towards the end: “I always have belief in the team and our forwards. The luck just didn’t fall for us today." On the goal: “We gifted it to them. Obviously, we’re going to be frustrated, but we had enough chances to put it right. That’s why it’s a frustrating one." On next match against London City Lionesses: “We have got to go in there more front footed, more aggressive, and start the way Palace did today. I think if we do that, we’ll have a good result.”

Crystal Palace captain Annabel Johnson said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m so happy with the girls’ work rate, sticking to the game plan. I’m over the moon with them. “We stuck to our game plan. We were happy to let the centre backs have it. We knew it could involve a lot of defending. I can’t ask much more. Emily [Orman] came out with a great save at the end, but she wasn’t troubled too much from all their attacking. Really pleased with the shape of the team, and the way they got their bodies behind the ball and stopped the opportunities." On the goal: “Unbelievable! Most times, I wouldn’t tell her to shoot, but the ball came into her, and she had all the time. Coral’s got great technique. She hit it, and I’m absolutely buzzing for her. She’s worked hard for that." On moving to fourth: “This season, all we’ve been about is the performances, and hopefully ending up as high as we can. That’s just the cherry on top.”