Durham Women saw their 2021/22 season end in defeat as Charlton Athletic came from behind to snatch victory at The Valley.

Lauren Briggs had handed the visitors the lead with a fine strike from distance, but goals from Emma Follis and Katie Robinson turned the clash on its head.

The Wildcats began brightly and had the first real chance of the game through Dee Bradley – as she saw a header clawed away by Eartha Cumings before Sarah Robson put the rebound narrowly wide.

But the hosts grew into the game and twice came close through Ella Rutherford, who drilled wide before then firing straight at Naoisha McAloon after a quick break.

Elise Hughes then saw a goal chalked-out for offside as Charlton began to dominate the ball, even if failing to seriously trouble the Durham defence.

Emily Roberts had the Wildcats best chance in the remainder of the half as she was thwarted by Cumings after an effort from range.

Charlton’s pace asked some real questions of the visitors as the half wore on and that continued into the second period.

Rutherford came close after another break, but fired straight at McAloon, before Follis side-footed wide.

And Durham would take advantage when they took the lead – substitute Briggs sending a stunning effort range into the top corner.

The midfielder almost turned provider moments later as her looped cross was met by fellow substitute Ejupi, but her prodded effort was kept out by Cumings.

Charlton would then go on to level the scores as Follis fired home after a cut-back from the byline.

That buoyed the Addicks, and McAloon then had to make a fine fingertip save to keep Elise Hughes’ header out.

And they made their pressure count when Robinson scored a fine solo goal with just over ten minutes remaining.

Durham had chances to level, with Ejupi denied again by Cumings before Briggs saw a superb effort cannon back off the post with the home stopper well-beaten.

The Wildcats continued to give it their all through four minutes of stoppage time, but couldn’t find that elusive equaliser.

Durham XI: McAloon, Lambert, Wilson, Robson, Hepple, Hardy (Galloway 71), Salicki, Bradley (Briggs 52), Christon, Roberts (Ejupi 62), Holmes (Greenwood 71)

Sub not used: Borthwick

Goal: Briggs 56