Fulham Ladies toughest fixture to date was held last night in the London County Cup against Charlton Athletic (formerly Croydon). Charlton are in the National Premier league - two divisions above Fulham but last night's result made nonsense of the gap.
Fulham started brightly and looked the most likely team to score early on. The game was controlled by the ladies in white and the strong running and tackling central midfield duo of Katy Chapman and Rachel McArthur broke up Charlton's attempts to play in Fulham's half.
When they managed to break into Fulham's defensive third the back four of Gibbons, Phillip, Petersen and Hynes remained strong and determined.
On 40 minutes Kim Jeray-Silver struck a curled shot from 30 yards into the net to give the Whites a well deserved lead. Fulham looked the fitter of the two sides and 8 minutes into the second half Laveena Betts' strong run and shot was parried by the 'keeper only for Rachel Yankey to follow in and slot home the rebound.
Betts and Yankey tormented Charlton's back line and it was no surprise when Yankey scored her second with a terrific drive from the edge of the box.
Against the run of play Charlton then won a penalty but that flew high and wide. but Soon after that Charlton did find the target with a lobbed goal after Fulham had failed to clear the ball.
Yankey scored her third on 75 minutes after Kirsty Percival had crossed to the far post. Substitute Chantelle White made it five with a fine solo run and shot from 18 yards to round off an excellent evening.
A big thank you to all those fans who travelled to Gravesend for the game. Your support was really appreciated
Rachel McArthur has been voted Demon Internet's September Player of the month.
Fulham team: Bowry; Gibbons; Phillip, Peteresen; Hynes; Rahman; Chapman; McArthur; Jeray-Silver(1);Betts; Yankey(3)
Subs: Percival; White(1); Dinham; Bennett; Chamberlain