Three in the Bar-net

Kim Dixson's brace and a Toni Alden free-kick helped the Charlton women's team defeat Premier League outfit Barnet 3-0 at Sparrows Lane on Sunday.

Dixson opened the scoring deep into the first half, Gemma Bryan laying the ball in from the left to Pam McRoberts to tee up Dixson, who fired home from 25 yards.

The goal was a just reward for the pressure and attacking style of play the Addicks had adopted. Dixson's effort was the 14th on goal that half against Barnet's five.

Charlton started the second half in much the same way, and 15 minutes in Dixson struck again, this time taking a touch from Kristina Manteklow's pass from the right, then curling an exquisite shot with her left foot into the top corner.

Barnet surged forward to get something from the game but their tempers flailed in the midday heat and after the Addicks had absorbed the visitors attacking threat, Alden stepped up to take a free kick from 20 yards out on the right flank.

Her inswinging left-footed effort hung dangerously in the penalty area, and although two Charlton attackers got close to nudging it in, the effort didn't need their guidance and it landed comfortably in the far corner.

Addicks technical director Paul Mortimer said afterwards: "It is still only pre-season but the balance looked really well today. They're beginning to see it - we've got the makings of a very good side - the girls need to believe it.

"It was a good performance and we want to take it in to next game - when you look at top teams - they don't get beat."

Happy with the recently-returned Dixson's performance he added: "Kim can shoot and is accurate - on the edge is where we want her passing Gemma Bryan in or shooting - creating because she's a creative player."

Mortimer's side are next in action on Thursday (8pm) when they host Premier League Watford at Sparrows Lane.