Blackburn Rovers Women were edged out by league-leaders Charlton Athletic as they fell to a 3-2 defeat.

Simon Parker's side have now lost four of their last five matches but gave a good account of themselves against the division's top side. Rovers trailed 2-0 and 3-1 in the contest but managed to get themselves back into the contest to make for a nervy finish.

Rovers got off to the worst possible start as they conceded an early penalty with only three minutes on. Fortunately, Alexandra Brooks was able to keep out Melissa Johnson's spot-kick.

The hosts continued to apply pressure and just after the midway point in the half, they found a breakthrough Beth Roe headed in after Johnson's shot had hit the bar.

Mel Filis doubled the scoreline just after half-time, giving Rovers a mountain to climb. Millie Chandarana got one back quickly after, though, to halve the arrears.

Five minutes later and The Addicks had re-established their two-goal cushion with Kate Longhurst turning in from close range.

Hannah Silcock made for a tense finish in stoppage time but Rovers couldn't force an equaliser and made the journey back to Lancashire empty-handed.

Blackburn Rovers: Brooks; Coan, Murphy (Robertson 86), Toland, Hornby, Shepherd (Thomas 76), Silcock, Hutchings, Bradley (Dahou 57), Walters (Chandarana 57).

Unused substitutes: Salgado, Richards, Nokuthula, Doyle, Knox.