Durham Women suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time this campaign as they were beaten by Charlton Athletic.
First-half goals from Emily Simpkins and Mel Johnson bookended Beth Hepple’s penalty and proved enough for the Addicks to claim maximum points.
They had further chances to extend their advantage in the second half, while Durham’s late pressure couldn’t yield a leveller.
The Wildcats made just one change from their clash with Crystal Palace as Maria Farrugia came into the side – and she had the first chance of the afternoon, seeing a low effort held by Sian Rogers after winning back possession on the edge of the box.
But it would be Charlton who struck first, with Simpkins confidently converting from the penalty spot after Sarah Robson had brought down Johnson.
That rallied Durham who came close to an immediate leveller, when Hepple’s looping cross was met by Rio Hardy who saw her back post header deflected wide.
A leveller would come on 20 minutes though, and again it was via a spot-kick as Hepple dispatched from 12 yards after referee Stacey Fullicks spotted a handball in the box.
Charlton were still creating the better chances though, and Hardy did well to nod off the line after Simpkins’ curling free-kick looked set to creep in.
And indeed, the Addicks would retake the lead before the interval as Johnson finished cooly after latching onto a fine through ball.
Durham did almost level in sublime circumstances after Dee Bradley unleashed a thunderbolt from 30-yards that Rogers did well to tip onto her bar.
The second half saw Charlton press forward in search of extending their lead – and they had numerous chances to do just that.
A Simpkins cross just couldn’t get a touch while Johnson, Beth Roe, Angela Addison and Tegan McGowan all spurned good chances.
Durham’s best effort came through Becky Salicki, who sent a header narrowly over the bar from a teasing Hepple delivery.
And while the Wildcats saw plenty of the ball late on, they failed to create any clear-cut chances as Charlton managed the game well and secured victory.