Brighton & Hove Albion Women produced a ruthless display to beat Charlton Women 4-0 in the FA Women’s League Cup on 24 September 2026, with Elisabeth Terland scoring twice in a dominant group-stage victory at Broadfield Stadium.

Match Overview

Brighton & Hove Albion Women showed their quality and depth with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Charlton Women in the FA Women’s League Cup. The Seagulls were in control from the first whistle, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to overwhelm their Championship opponents. Charlton, who compete in the FA Women’s Championship, struggled to cope with Brighton’s intensity and found themselves chasing the game early on.

The win puts Brighton in a strong position in their group and sends a clear message about their ambitions in the competition. For Charlton, it was a difficult evening against top-tier opposition, but the experience will serve them well as they return to league duties.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Goal! Katie Robinson opened the scoring with a low drive after a neat exchange on the edge of the box.
• 34th minute: Goal! Elisabeth Terland doubled the lead, heading home from a precise cross.
• 58th minute: Goal! Terland struck again, finishing calmly one-on-one after being played through by Madison Haley.
• 77th minute: Goal! Haley got on the scoresheet herself, converting a rebound after Charlton’s goalkeeper made a save.
• 90th minute: Charlton’s best chance came late, but a fine save from Brighton’s goalkeeper kept the clean sheet intact.

Tactical Story

Brighton set up in a 4-3-3 and used their wingers to stretch Charlton’s defence. The high press was relentless, forcing errors and allowing Brighton to win the ball back in dangerous areas. Charlton attempted to sit in a 4-5-1 shape and frustrate their hosts, but they struggled to keep possession and were often pinned back.

The midfield battle was one-sided. Brighton’s central trio controlled the tempo, switching play and creating overloads. Charlton’s defensive line was eventually pulled apart by quick combinations and intelligent runs. Once Brighton scored the first goal, the confidence flowed, and the result never looked in doubt.

Standout Players

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton & Hove Albion Women): The striker was outstanding, scoring two well-taken goals and leading the line with intelligence and strength.

Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion Women): The winger opened the scoring and was a constant threat with her pace and direct running.

Madison Haley (Brighton & Hove Albion Women): Provided an assist and capped her performance with a goal, linking play effectively in the final third.

Sian Rogers (Charlton Women): The goalkeeper was one of Charlton’s better performers, making several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.

Season Impact

Brighton & Hove Albion Women move to the top of their FA Women’s League Cup group with this emphatic result, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. The performance also highlights the squad’s attacking depth, which will be crucial as the season progresses. Charlton Women will need to regroup quickly, but they can take some lessons from the game as they focus on their Championship campaign. The 4-0 scoreline underlines the gap between the two sides on the night, but cup football often provides valuable experience for developing teams.