MOLLY SHARPE and Lisa Robertson scored their third goals of the season as leaders Durham maintained their 100 per cent start in the FA Women’s Championship against Charlton.

Precious little separated these two clubs last season and there was not much to choose between them in the opening 45 minutes.

While Durham led 2-0 at the break, the more chances fell to the Addicks with Charley Clifford’s long-range shot being held well by Hannah Reid.

Durham took the lead on 27 minutes with their first attempt of the contest. The build-up was bright, with Ellie Christon’s perfect cross from the right superbly converted by Sharpe.

At the other end, Clifford headed over for the visitors while Charlie Devlin – against her former club - had a shot saved by Reid after a slick three-player move.

Seconds before the break, the Wildcats doubled their advantage when Robertson took aim from 25 yards. Her left-foot strike was a clean one but should have been taken by Katie Startup who could only palm it into her net.

Durham began the second half strongly but Sarah Robson and Megan Bell were too high with their efforts, though Devlin’s powerful shot was well saved by Reid.

Charlton boss Riteesh Mishra brought on Welsh international Charlie Estcourt and Ellie Dorey and the Addicks saw plenty of the ball, but they could not translate that into goals, though Dorey was unlucky to see a right-foot shot come back off the post 13 minutes from time.

Beth Hepple missed an opening to seal the deal on 84 minutes but Durham held on comfortably.

Sharpe, a summer signing from University in Florida, said: “We always thought it was going to be a hard game, last season we were 2-0 up against Charlton and they came back to draw 2-2.

“We knew we had to come out and work hard, play well and get the win.

“We’ve tried to go through the middle and the first time we got the ball out wide we’ve scored. It was a great cross and I’ve managed to get away from my defender and it was quite an easy finish.

“Robbo was class throughout the game and I’m so happy she got the goal.

“It’s been the perfect start for the team and me.

“The girls have been so welcoming. I went to university in Miami for four years but it’s been great coming here.

“In America it seems to be more about fitness and how fast you are but here it’s more about how good you are at football so I feel I fit better into the English way. I could have stayed in America but as son as this opportunity to play for Durham I knew I had to take it.”

Durham (4-4-1-1): Reid; Christon, Hill, Salicki, Holmes; Bell (Greenwood 86), Robertson, Robson, Achterof; Hepple; Sharpe (Gears 60). Subs (not used): Borthwick

Attendance: 457