Charlton and Middlesbrough set pace in FA WPL

Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic continued to set the pace after another dramatic afternoon of FA Women’s Premier League action.

A breath-taking 27 goals went in across eight action-packed games with dramatic victories for Leicester City and Lewes.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Charlton were looking to avenge their defeat to C&K Basildon last time out as they faced a stubborn Coventry United side.

And Athletic were made to work hard for their win as goals from Charlotte Gurr and Kit Graham secured Charlton’s ninth league victory of the campaign.

Lewes kept themselves four points behind the leaders in a dramatic game against Cardiff City.

Cori Williams had twice put Cardiff City ahead but goals from Kelly Newton and Georgia Bridges gave Lewes a battling victory.

Goals from Angela Addison, Theresa Addison and April Bowers helped C&K Basildon secure back-to-back victories against bottom of the league Swindon Town.

Elsewhere, second bottom side QPR picked up just their fourth point of the campaign against Chichester City.

NORTHERN DIVISION

Emily Scarr helped Middlesbrough to their eighth victory of the season as they confidently dispatched Derby County 3-0.

Boro had to sustain heavy pressure before a Sarah Morgan own goal put the game beyond doubt for the table toppers.

Leicester got the better of Midlands rivals Wolverhampton in a seven-goal thriller as they triumphed 4-3 courtesy of a last-gasp Rosie Axten winner

Meanwhile Huddersfield Town moved above Stoke City and into third place with a 2-0 victory over the Potters.

Fylde also triumphed 2-1 over Bradford City thanks to goals from Natasha Flint after going 1-0 down.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Leicester City have not been short of entertainment so far in the FA WPL and their match over Wolves did not disappoint.

Leigh Dugmore, Rachel Brown and Olivia Mitcham saw Leicester race into a 3-1 lead but Leanne Robinson and Jade Cross brought Wolves level.

But just as Wolves thought they had snatched a point, Rosie Axten popped up with dramatic winner in the 89th minute to take the Foxes second.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Kelly Newton put in a fine performance against Cardiff City as Lewes came from behind to win 3-2.

Twice the question was asked of Lewes but Newton showed her class to haul the visitors back into the contest as Georgia Bridge capped off the comeback.

MANAGER OF THE WEEK

Huddersfield were keen to get back to winning ways after being dumped out of the cup by Guiseley and Ashley Vickers will be delighted to see his side comprehensively beat Stoke City.

Goals from Kate Mallin helped Town move up to third place in the Northern Division and are one point behind Leicester in second.

GOAL OF THE WEEK

Cori Williams’ brace might not have given Cardiff City the points but her second goal will live long in the memory.

Williams lined up her free-kick with precision as her 25-yard effort curled beautifully into the back of the net off the crossbar.