Match Report by David Brenchley

Bryan bagged the winner ten minutes from time, taking her tally to three goals in three games, after rounding the goalkeeper and firing past the scrambling Blues defence.

Charlton were well worth the three points but both sides were thankful to their respective goalkeepers for keeping the score goalless until Bryan’s strike.

The sides exchanged early blows, Cardiff’s Ellie Smith was thwarted by Megan Lynch in the Addicks goal and Vanisha Patel dealt with Charlotte Miller well before Kristina Manktelow almost creating a good opening for the hosts.

The visitor’s long ball policy troubled Charlton’s defence all day; the first chance it fashioned fell to Amie Lea but her effort was pushed away by keeper Lynch.

Lynch was in inspired form throughout; a long Ellie Davies throw was flicked goalwards but the Addicks keeper stretched to tip over.

Charlton then grew in confidence as Bryan, who led the line impressively, almost got on the scoresheet in the first half with a lob which was cleared off the line by Lauren Townsend.

The striker nearly turned provider, trying to play Katie Hardaker in, but her cross was dealt with by Danielle Broadhurst.

The second period was eventful with Lynch’s opposite number Rhian Nokes’ legs saving her side from Manktelow and Bryan’s attempts while Terri Beddows nodded a corner wide at the other end.

Newman then stole the ball from Amie Lea to feed Hardaker whose first time shot sailed over well over.  Charlton were now well in the ascendency and their next attack would finally calm any nerves they felt.

A fantastic through ball from substitute Ciara Sherwood was chased by Bryan who looked to have been held up by the onrushing Nokes but kept her cool to sidestep past the City’s keeper and finish emphatically.

Newman should have scored moments after to put the game to bed, Manktelow burst into the box and crossed to the far post where the right winger was stood but the volley was screwed wide.

The Addicks had a few nervy moments late on; Lynch made a fantastic save from Lisa Bird before Patel tracked back to block Natasha Harding’s shot and see the ball behind.

After Charlton stretched their unbeaten run to nine games, manager Paul Mortimer was happy with his side, saying: “I am genuinely pleased with how the girls are playing.

“They have played really well over this period of time and they are beginning to understand how not to get beat which is hugely important,” he added.

He also praised Bryan, who grabbed her first league goal of the season just three weeks ago and has not looked back, saying: “She is playing really well. She plays that lone role very well”.

“She deserved two or three goals today, her play was that good and she was up there on her own but I don’t think she gets the goals her performances deserve,” he said.

Charlton: Lynch; Poole, Alden, Flack (c), Patel; Newman, Manktelow, Clifford, Hardaker, Barnett (Sherwood 69); Bryan.  Subs (not used): Garratt, Duffy.