Alarmed Belles stage fightback

Two goals from Jo Broadhurst were not enough for Charlton as their unbeaten run ended yesterday against their FA Women's League National Division rivals, Doncaster Belles, who came from behind to win 4-3.

Broadhurst opened the scoring after nine minutes with a close-range effort but 20 minutes later the England striker, Karen Walker, ensured Belles went into the break on level terms. A solo effort from Karen Burke five minutes after the re-start increased Belles' lead and when Becky Easton picked up a poor clearance from the Charlton defence and found the back of the net 15 minutes later Doncaster looked in total control.

Laveena Betts pulled one back for the home side on 72 minutes before another defensive error by Charlton allowed Mel Garside to score Belles' fourth. Broadhurst scored a consolation on the stroke of full-time.

Charlton's spokesperson, Sue Prior, said: "It's a disappointing result. But they took their goals well."

Barry Town controversially defeated Brighton 2-1 at home as the visitors had a goal disallowed and a penalty appeal turned down by the referee, Mike Jones.

Barry's Trudy Williams put them ahead after 17 minutes before Emma Mead equalised five minutes before the interval.

Jones then ruled out a second goal for Brighton on 45 minutes as he blew his whistle for half-time after the striker had kicked the ball but before it landed in the back of net.

Brighton were also denied a penalty when Mead was brought down in the box but Jones waved play on. Clare O'Sullivan sealed victory for Barry 10 minutes from time.

The Brighton captain, Siobhan Melia, admitted: "We are disappointed. We had a goal disallowed on half-time then had a penalty appeal denied. But we will bounce back for next week."

Sammy Britton made her debut for Leeds against her former club, Everton, in a scoreless draw at Rossett Park. the Leeds goalkeeper, Clare Farrow, was outstanding and denied efforts by Amanda Barr and Chantelle Goodhead.

"We did not play very well but are very pleased to come away with a point,'' said the Leeds spokesperson, Melanie Vauvelle.

But, even so, the Everton keeper, Carly Timmins, spared her team's blushes, saving a superb 18-yard effort from striker Lucy Ward.

The Everton manager, Keith Marley, said: "We dominated the game but we just can't put the ball in the back of the net."

Southampton and Sunderland ground out a scoreless draw with neither side creating many chances. Tranmere Rovers' match against Arsenal was postponed.