LINDSAY Johnson's big day ended in disappointment as Everton crashed to Charlton in the FA Womens Cup Final at Upton Park yesterday.
Everton's Hartlepool-born centre back found herself outpaced by the Addicks' star woman Eniola Aluko in the 58th minute, the Londoner firing past Danielle Hill for the what turned out to be the winner.
Anne-Marie Heatherson could have had a hat-trick for Charlton against an Everton side for whom Chantelle Parry and Amy Kane had the best chances.
But the Merseysiders were largely second best, and Keith Boanas' team were worthy winners.
Charlton scored the goal they deserved when Aluko ran onto Emma Coss' through ball, leaving Johnson in her wake, and took advantage of Hill's hesitant goalkeeping to guide the ball into the bottom-left corner from close range.
Johnson's manager Mo Marley admitted her side were deservedly beaten after they failed to perform as they had done in defeating league champions Arsenal in the semi-finals.
She said: ''We only played to about ten per cent of our capabilities today, and we know we can do better.
''But that's not to take anything away from Charlton, who were by far the better side on the day.
''Inexperience and nerves undoubtedly played a part, but Charlton were a lot sharper than we were.''
Boanas hailed Aluko, who is combining A-level studies with football saying: ''I think she is going to be an absolute star for England.''
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article