Barclays WSL2 Promotions & Play-off

Two strands of the WSL2 promotion story. On the final day, 2 May, Charlton Athletic needed only a draw at home to Birmingham City but lost 2-0, Wilma Leidhammar heading the opener and striking again after the break as Amy Merricks’ side leapfrogged them to the title in front of 3,615 at The Valley. Crystal Palace went up too under Jo Potter, beating Portsmouth 6-1 through Molly-Mae Sharpe, Ashleigh Weerden’s double, Kirsty Howat, Annabel Blanchard and Elise Hughes. Charlton’s consolation was a home play-off against the WSL’s bottom club, Leicester City, on 23 May. A goalless slog before a club-record 3,979 went to penalties, where goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse saved four to send Karen Hills’ Addicks up for the first time since 2008 and relegate Leicester.