Barclays Women’s Championship
London City Lionesses earned a historic promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League, holding Birmingham City to a 2-2 draw in
a tense encounter to secure their place in the top flight for the first time.
A goalless first half at St Andrews saw both sides create chances, with Emily van Egmond’s header cleared off the line by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Isobel Goodwin denied by a crucial save from Blues goalkeeper Adrianna Franch at the other end. Goodwin broke the deadlock after the restart, exchanging passes with Kosovare Asllani before firing a 25-yard stunner into the top corner. Boye-Hlorkah doubled London City’s lead with a towering header, but Birmingham fought back with Van Egmond’s header and a late volley from substitute Cho So-Hyun. Despite ten minutes of added time, Birmingham could not find a winner, finishing second as London City celebrated promotion.
Newcastle United capped their first Women’s Championship season with a resounding 5-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, driven by Shania Hayles’ hat-trick. Hayles opened the scoring in the 11th minute, heading in Demi Stokes’ cross, before Freya Gregory doubled the lead with a curling strike from a tight angle after the break. Deanna Cooper added a third, and Hayles completed her treble with two quickfire goals, staking a late claim for the golden boot. Tyler Toland’s late consolation was little comfort for Blackburn, who finish tenth.
Durham Women secured a commendable fourth place finish with a 2-0 win over Bristol City. Beth Hepple opened the scoring on eleven minutes, combining with Lily Crosthwaite, who then assisted Mollie Lambert’s goal just after half time. The victory ensured Durham finished just one point behind third placed Charlton Athletic, while Bristol City concluded their first season back in the Championship in sixth.
Charlton Athletic cemented third place with a 2-0 win at Southampton. After a goalless hour, Bethan Roe broke the deadlock on 60 minutes, and Katie Bradley struck two minutes later to secure the points. The quickfire double ensured Charlton held off Durham’s challenge, while Southampton finished eighth.
Sunderland ended their campaign on a high with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at the Stadium of Light. Eleanor Dale converted a penalty early in the second half after being fouled by the Blades’ goalkeeper, before Emily Scarr sealed the win in the 82nd minute. Monique Robinson’s late goal was a mere consolation for Sheffield United, whose relegation was already confirmed.
Leading scorers:
16 - Isobel Goodwin (London City Lionesses);
15 - Shania Hayles (Newcastle Utd);
10 - Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Bristol City);
8 - Ellie Brazil (Charlton Athletic);
8 - Eleanor Dale (Sunderland);
7 - Katie Bradley (Charlton Athletic);
7 - Jodie Hutton (Charlton Athletic);
7 - Mollie Lambert (Durham Women);
7 - Beth Lumsden (Newcastle Utd);
6 - Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (London City Lionesses);
6 - Ffion Morgan (Bristol City);
