Red mist descends for nine-player Charlton in loss to Everton

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

Charlton conceded an own goal and had two players sent off as the Women's Super League newcomers suffered defeat at Everton.

The game's only goal came when Holly McNamara's effort from a tight angle took a wicked deflection off Leighanne Robe which sent it past Sophie Whitehouse.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the only real first-half excitement came when Ashleigh Neville send a spinning half-volley towards goal from about 30 yards out and saw her effort crash off the crossbar.

Experienced defender Neville, making her 127th top-flight appearance, was one of Charlton's brightest sparks but was shown a red card in the second half for a high tackle on Everton's Ruby Mace.

Being reduced to 10 for the best part of half an hour forced an already defensive Charlton to sit even deeper and stopped their ability to get out of their own half.

Everton showed the most promise throughout, dominating the ball and shifting it about quickly around the box.

They responded particularly positively to Charlton's red card and finally got their reward for their efforts around the penalty area when Robe sent the ball into her own net.

Substitute Hawa Cissoko was then sent off for Charlton in stoppage time, being shown a second yellow card after fouling McNamara.

Everton are next in action when they take on West Ham next Sunday (14:00 BST), while Charlton host London City Lionesses as 12:30 BST on Saturday.

Player of the match

R. Mace
7.50
30 R. Mace
7.50
21 Z. Kramžar
7.29
13 H. Kitagawa
7.14
5 N. Layzell
6.88
29 Y. Momiki
6.83
11 H. Cain
6.63
18 Ornella Vignola
6.57
33 M. Pacheco
6.57
8 R. van Gool
6.57
9 H. McNamara
6.50
25 H. Silcock
6.29
6 H. Hayashi
6.29
1 C. Brosnan
6.25
2 H. Blundell
6.14
3 R. Ishikawa
6.00
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