Walker struck the only goal of the game four minutes before half-time, volleying home a Fara Williams free-kick, but Charlton had to scrap all the way to complete an important double over the battling Belles.

Donny had the upper hand for much of the game, particularly when they had the wind behind their backs in the first half, and England winger Karen Burke was unlucky with two efforts which hit the woodwork.

Charlton’s victory means that if they now take maximum points from their last two games of the season, against Leeds United and Arsenal, they will win the League for the first time – but Arsenal may have something to say about that.

The Gunners stayed in contention for the title with a 4-0 win against Leeds United, England right back Kirsty Pealling sending them on the way to victory with two goals in the first half.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Ciara Grant put the game beyond Leeds midway through the second period, then Scotland striker Julie Fleeting - with her eighth goal in five games - completed the scoring.

Third in the table Arsenal have now won their last eight League and FA Cup games and are set to challenge Charlton for both of women’s football’s two most prestigious domestic titles.

The teams will clash in the FA Cup final on May 3rd but, in the meanwhile, they will continue to do battle along with second in the table Fulham for the League crown that brings with it a place in next season’s Uefa Cup.

Fulham have a game in hand on Charlton while Arsenal have three games in hand – and although they are 11 points behind the leaders, the Gunners have matches coming up against both of the teams above them.

While the tussle for the title in the National Division continued apace, the race for promotion from the Southern Division took a decisive turn in the favour of Bristol City – without the Robins kicking a ball!

Second in the table City were without a weekend fixture but are now firm favourites to take the title after leaders Southampton Saints went down 3-1 at third-placed AFC Wimbledon, who completed a rapid double over the south coast side.

A fortnight after beating them at Southampton, the Dons did it again thanks to first half goals by Julie Bygrave, Michelle Riley and Maria Bertelli. The Saints’ consolation effort came from Nicki Watts.

The result left Saints top of the table by a single point from City, but the Robins now have three games in hand and need just eight points from their remaining five outings to clinch promotion.

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