The Women’s Super League play‑off opened with Charlton Athletic Women hosting Leicester City Women at Charlton Stadium. Early minutes saw a flurry of fouls – Emma Bissell and Jodie Hutton each booked Charlton, while Julie Thibaud earned multiple free‑kicks for Leicester. Leicester’s Thibaud collected three free‑kick awards before halftime, each forcing Charlton’s defense to retreat. The half ended goalless amid several delay interruptions.

Leicester’s attacking edge came from Jutta Rantala, whose left‑footed strike from outside the box rattled the crossbar before Sophie Whitehouse saved the rebound. At the 19th minute Asmita Ale received a yellow card for a reckless tackle, reducing Leicester’s midfield discipline. Charlton’s goalkeeper Whitehouse made two more saves, keeping visitors at bay. Hannah Cain’s cross set up Rantala’s effort, which Whitehouse tipped onto the post.

The stalemate leaves both clubs level on points heading into the final play‑off round, with goal difference now the deciding factor. Charlton must convert the numerous set‑piece opportunities they generated, while Leicester will rely on Thibaud’s ability to win free‑kicks in dangerous areas. Leicester came unbeaten in three; Charlton lost two of their last three, tightening the race for the promotion slot.