---

October 7, 2024

Round-up of the Championship: London City and Bristol City score huge victories, Charlton and Sunderland play an incredible draw

Throughout three games over the weekend, six goals were shared in various ways in the Women’s Championship. Once more, as another exciting season unfolds, the second tier is the place to be if you’re looking for drama and excitement.

Let’s review the most recent events in the Championship, which included Durham’s close victory over Newcastle and the exciting 3-3 draw between Charlton Athletic and Sunderland.

Charlton Athletic 3-3 Sunderland

In an exhilarating match at The Valley, Charlton Athletic saw their perfect Championship record end with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Sunderland. The Lasses appeared poised to secure all three points, but a late surge from Charlton earned them a valuable equalizer.

Sunderland’s pacey attack caused constant problems for Charlton, but it was a well-executed set piece that set the tone for the match. Katie Kitching curled a stunning shot into the top corner to give Sunderland the lead. They quickly doubled their advantage when Jessie Stapleton headed in a deflected cross from Jenna Dear, leaving Charlton stunned. However, the hosts responded just before halftime, with Kayleigh Barton reducing the deficit with a looping header.

The intensity continued after the break, showcasing the determination of both sides. Sunderland looked to have clinched the victory when Dear scored with a spectacular volley from a Kitching corner, putting them up 3-1 with just 12 minutes remaining. Yet, Charlton refused to back down; Karin Muya capitalized on a rare mistake from goalkeeper Demi Lambourne to make it 3-2. In a thrilling conclusion, Muya lifted the ball over Lambourne late in the game, completing an impressive comeback and securing a well-deserved point for Charlton.

Sheffield United 2-4 Bristol City

Bristol City celebrated their first win since returning to the Championship with a commanding performance at Bramall Lane, defeating Sheffield United 4-2. The visitors took the lead early when Lexi Lloyd-Smith raced onto a pass from Jamie-Lee Napier and expertly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper in the 12th minute. Ffion Morgan doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark, finishing from a well-placed assist by Lloyd-Smith, as Bristol City maintained complete control of the match. Although Sheffield United managed to pull one back before halftime, with Eva Butler finding the corner from a tight angle, it felt like a mere consolation.

The second half saw Bristol City quickly extend their lead to 4-1. Amalie Thestrup capitalized on a rebound after Emily Syme’s shot hit the crossbar, slotting it home to score the third. Substitute Abi Harrison sealed the victory by finishing into the bottom corner after a swift counterattack. United managed to net another goal with 15 minutes remaining through Maria Farrugia’s long-range effort, but the outcome was never in doubt. The Blades are still searching for their first point in the league, while Bristol City sits comfortably in seventh place with five points.

London City Lionesses 5-1 Portsmouth

Following a disappointing defeat to Sunderland the previous weekend, London City Lionesses bounced back spectacularly, thrashing Portsmouth 5-1. The visitors are still hunting for their first point of the Championship season. Isobel Goodwin, who joined London City from Sheffield United in the summer, stole the show by scoring four of the hosts’ five goals.

Goodwin had not found the back of the net in her new colors until this match, where she broke her duck in impressive style. Teyah Goldie opened the scoring, and soon after, Goodwin netted her first to give London City a 2-0 lead at halftime. The second half was a whirlwind, with Goodwin scoring twice more within the first five minutes, completing her hat trick. Sophie Quirk pulled one back for Portsmouth, but Goodwin still needed to be finished, adding her fourth with just six minutes remaining. With this victory, London City climbed to fourth place in the table, while Portsmouth remained at the bottom, still searching for their first point.

Birmingham City 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers started the season on a positive note, but their momentum has stalled with back-to-back league defeats, the latest being a 2-0 loss to Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s. The Blues dominated possession throughout the match, never appearing in real trouble.

The opening goal came from Louise Quinn, who headed in from an Ivana Fuso corner. Blackburn’s best chance in the first half came from a goalmouth scramble, but Birmingham’s defense stood firm. The home side secured their victory in the 77th minute when substitute Christie Harrison-Murray glanced a well-placed header into the net. This crucial win helped Birmingham close the gap on league leaders Charlton to just three points following their defeat last weekend.

Newcastle United 0-1 Durham

Durham continued to impress as they secured a 1-0 victory against local rivals Newcastle United at Kingston Park, solidifying their status as Championship dark horses. It looked as though the game would end in a draw despite numerous goal-scoring opportunities, including a brilliant save from Durham goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders, who denied a header from Rachel Furness.

However, Carly Johns had a shot blocked late in the game, allowing Mollie Lambert to pounce on the rebound and score the decisive goal. Newcastle fought hard in the dying minutes of injury time to level the score, but Durham’s defense held firm, earning them another impressive victory.

What’s Next?

On Friday night, Birmingham City will face off against a struggling Sheffield United, aiming to continue their positive momentum. The excitement continues on Sunday with four thrilling matches on the schedule.

Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, including the South Coast Derby between Portsmouth and Southampton and the North East Derby, where Sunderland will host their bitter rivals, Newcastle United. At the top of the table, London City will take on Charlton Athletic in a crucial matchup. Meanwhile, Blackburn will look to regain their form as they visit Bristol City.

Rally behind your team! Check out our site and share your support with pride.

Footballnewstoday | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A