The weekend saw the first WSL Playoff Final, contested by the teams finishing bottom of WSL, Leicester City Women, and third in WSL 2, Charlton Athletic Women, with the winner to be playing in WSL next season and the loser in WSL 2.
After a landmark season including a long unbeaten run, Charlton had faltered late on and were beaten by Birmingham City 3 weeks earlier for City to win automatic promotion and leave the Addicks facing this winner takes all clash..
Manager Karen Hills was forced to make defensive changes due to injury and suspension, but Charlton started on the front foot with attacking impetus. Leicester came back into it and finished the first half strongly. It was goalless at the break and at full-time, despite Leicester introducing some experienced substitutes.
Extra time followed with some good saves by Sophie Whitehouse keeping the hosts level with the visitors, though Charlton thought they had scored 3 minutes from the end when Lockwood hit the bar from 25 yards, nodded home by Lobago but adjudged offside.
Penalties ensued- Egmond for Leicester saved by Whitehouse, Bradley for Charlton saved by Keane. Then Whitehouse dived to her left to save from O'Brien, Amelie Thestrup scored for Charlton and McLoughlin for Leicester, but further Whitehouse saves from Payne and Mouchon and a kick converted by Ellie Mason saw Charlton Athletic Women promoted to WSL and Leicester City Women relegated to WSL 2.
Final score Charlton Athletic Women 0 Leicester City Women 0 after extra time, Charlton win 2 - 1 on penalties.
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