Championship round-up: Birmingham go top, Charlton produce ...

Birmingham City are the new leaders in the Championship table going into the international break. The Blues now sit proudly atop the second tier standings, with the league looking competitive as ever.

Elsewhere, Charlton Athletic came back from the dead to claim a point and there was a big first win of the season for Sheffield United. Let’s dive into the latest Championship action.

Southampton 0-2 Birmingham City

Birmingham leapfrogged Charlton to go top of the Championship with an excellent away win at Southampton on a rainy and windy afternoon at St. Mary’s. Lucy Quinn gave the visitors the lead on 11 minutes with a back post header.

After Southampton were denied a penalty claim, Simone Magill shot over, but the Blues extended their lead shortly after half-time. The impressive Tegan McGowan created the chance for Lily Agg to finish and make it 2-0.

Southampton never really looked like getting back into the game despite a flurry of corners. In the end, it was Birmingham taking home the points and a place at the Championship summit. 

Newcastle United 3-3 Charlton Athletic

Charlton lost their grip on top spot but did come back from 3-1 down to claim a point at Newcastle. The home side were two up within the opening 15 minutes as Shania Hayles netted a brace. Charlton had looked to control possession but it took them until four minutes into the second half to get back into the game.

Newcastle failed to clear their lines and Katie Bradley took the chance to halve the deficit. The Magpies were awarded a penalty when Lois Joel went down and Hayles stepped forward to complete her hat-trick.

It looked like a frustrating afternoon for the Addicks until the hosts were reduced to ten players. Amber-Keegan Stobbs received a second yellow card with seven minutes to go for delaying a restart. With the game deep into stoppage time, Kayleigh Barton headed in for 3-2 before a dramatic Bradley equaliser. After similar scenes at Sunderland a few weeks prior, this was another performance to show we should never write this Charlton side off.

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Durham 1-2 Sunderland

Sunderland came from behind to claim an important win at neighbours Durham. Having lost the derby last weekend against Newcastle, the Lasses fell behind at Maiden Castle when Carly Johns did well to set up Hannah Blake for the opener after 10 minutes. The visitors were level with ten minutes of the first half to go, as Eleanor Dale won and scored a penalty.

Mary McAteer gave Sunderland the lead in the 51st minute when she followed up a shot from Katie Kitching to slot it home. Sunderland settled and had the better of the game from that point on, seeing it out for a big three points. This was only Durham’s second defeat of the season and they still sit within the top four of the table going into the break.

???? Relive the action of derby day!

Full match highlights now available ????

— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) October 21, 2024

Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Sheffield United

Sheffield United picked up their first league win of the season by edging out Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Maria Farrugia was the hero for the Blades as she scored a brace either side of a Maria Edwards goal. Farrugia finished well after some good individual work to give her side the lead midway through the first half.

Edwards levelled just after half-time following a number of Rovers blocked shots. An even game was settled late on as Farrugia smashed the ball into the top corner from close range. Niamh Murphy had a chance for Rovers in the final few minutes but the away team held on for a huge victory. Both teams now sit on three points, with Blackburn having played a game less.

"I'm delighted. To be honest, I don't think it was our best performance, I think we've had better performances so far this season but we knew how crucial getting points on the board was…"

Head Coach Ash Thompson on today's win! ????️ pic.twitter.com/CAgsSl16yg

— Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) October 20, 2024

Bristol City 1-0 Portsmouth

A battle between the relegated club and one of those promoted last season ended with Bristol City nicking a narrow win. Emily Syme could have put City in front within two minutes but shot wide from a Jesse Woolley cut back.

The home side were in front shortly afterwards as Ffion Morgan got on the end of a through ball from Amy Rodgers to calmly round the goalkeeper Eve Annets and score. Lexi Lloyd-Smith almost made it two after pinching the ball from Annets and seeing her shot blocked on the line by Hannah Conn. City also could have had more throughout the game.

Morgan had another chance when sent through on goal. Sille Struck headed wide from a corner, Lloyd-Smith saw a shot saved and Syme curled one wide as they looked to extend their lead. Jamie-Lee Napier shot wide in another big moment but there was no real doubt that Bristol City would take home all three points and they’re now up to sixth in the table.

What’s next?

An international break is now upon us so the Championship takes a break until the league reconvenes on November 2nd.

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