As the curtain opened on the 2024/25 season of the Barclays Women’s Championship, it was Charlton Athletic who would be the first to host Jay Sadler’s newly promoted Portsmouth side. Last season’s runners-up asserted early dominance, whilst Pompey endured an undesirable start to their inaugural campaign in the second tier.

With a brace from Ellie Brazil and a fantastic finish from Jodie Hutton in the first half, the Reds were off to a flying start on home turf. The Addicks dealt Portsmouth a blow, as last season’s FA Women’s National League South champions endeavour to adjust to their new realm of competition at speed.

The Lineups

CHA: Whitehouse; N’Dow, Skeels, Newsham, Roe, Bashford, Hutton, Filis, Humphrey, Barton, Brazil

POR: Haughton; Barker, Coan, Freeland, Jones, McLaughlin, Quirk, Hutchings, Collins, Casley, Hornby

The Action

Portsmouth’s away support was in strong voice, but Charlton were quick to attack from the first kick of the game. A headed clearance in the opening minute by Riva Casley would see the Addicks denied an early lead, but Karen Hills’ side were relentlessly driving forward.

New signing Brazil gave the home side the lead in the fourth minute, having been the driving force behind much of the Reds’ attacking prowess already. There was disarray in the box after Portsmouth lost possession in their defensive half, and Kayleigh Barton’s quick thinking saw Pompey goalkeeper Hannah Haughton off her line. Brazil tapped it in, and Charlton’s season had started smoothly.

The Addicks came close to finding their second not long after, but some tireless defensive work from Casley would bail the newcomers out once again. Under pressure, Brazil then picked out Beth Roe who would take the shot. The attempt was gathered by Haughton, who was alert to the danger posed by opposition’s lively frontline.

New Charlton goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse was called into action in the 15th minute. A long-range effort from Megan Hornby was destined only for the post, and Sophie Quirk’s quick pounce on the rebound was to no avail as the former Lewes shot-stopper made her first save of the game.

Jodie Hutton doubled the Addicks’ lead in the 17th minute. Surpassing Portsmouth’s grappling defence, the No. 12 sent in an immense strike from the left-hand side of the box, finding the back of the net with both power and precision.

Some brilliant buildup play from last season’s title contenders payed off after Barton got her foot to a goal kick taken well by Whitehouse, before finding Brazil in a prime position to make a run for goal. The talented new Charlton addition made no mistake in slotting the ball past Haughton, giving the Addicks their third goal in the 23rd minute.

Despite creating some chances and taking several set pieces, Portsmouth trailed three goals behind at the break. Facing arguably one of the toughest teams in the contest, Sadler’s side showed substantial signs of strength but were often overcome by their front footed opponent. Charlton appeared to have built on the blocks of last season’s success, whilst the Blues fought to find their footing in the league.

Looking to continue their first fixture flair in the second half, Charlton would have to keep their eyes wide open. What felt like mere seconds after the whistle, a purposeful ball was driven toward the face of goal by Quirk. The Portsmouth standout’s effort was narrowly saved by a capable, airborne Whitehouse, but Sadler’s side had clearly emerged from half-time with a new fire alight. Earning more possession than they had earlier on, the south coast underdogs were not going down without a fight.

There were further chances for Charlton as the sunny afternoon progressed. Portsmouth, too, would find themselves launching counterattacks on occasion, looking increasingly promising in the second half. The final touch on both crosses and shots for Pompey was just lacking, however, and while they slowly grew into the game, the gap between these two teams was at times a stark one.

The final whistle pealed through the home of the Addicks, with Charlton contently taking all three points away from their campaign’s home opener. A disappointed Portsmouth squad must now look to regroup before they play Durham next weekend at Fratton Park, while Hills’ side prepare to make their way to Sheffield United. Although this afternoon’s challenge did not cultivate the positive beginning to the season Pompey would have hoped for, their venture to The Valley was just that – the beginning.

The Halfway Line player of the match: Ellie Brazil