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Birmingham, Palace promoted to WSL as Charlton fall to play-off
TL;DR
Birmingham City and Crystal Palace have been promoted to the Women's Super League after a decisive final day, while Charlton falls to the play-off spot. Birmingham returns to the top flight after four years, and Palace makes an immediate comeback after last year's relegation.
Key points
- Birmingham City promoted to Women's Super League
- Crystal Palace returns to WSL after relegation
- Charlton falls to play-off spot
- Birmingham wins final match against Charlton
- WSL to expand to 14 teams in 2026-27 season
Birmingham CityCrystal PalaceCharlton AthleticWomen's Super League
Birmingham City and Crystal Palace have been promoted to the Women's Super League after a dramatic final day in the second tier saw Charlton slip into the play-off spot.
The Women's Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season.
The day began with Charlton top of the table, a point ahead of Birmingham in second and third-placed Palace.
But it was all change by the end of the afternoon as a Wilma Leidhammar double gave Birmingham victory over Charlton in the winner-takes-all clash at The Valley, while Palace came from behind to thrash already-relegated Portsmouth 6-1.
It means the Blues go up as WSL 2 champions, returning to the top flight after four years away, with Palace making an immediate return to the WSL after their relegation 12 months ago.
"How does it feel? Amazing! I am speechless," Birmingham manager Amy Merricks said.
"I just had a feeling, I know my team has bounced back every time. I'm so proud of them today.
"It's a tough place to come, I have to credit Charlton I think they've had a fantastic season. I'm so grateful for the team, this group is incredible and we're going to enjoy every moment of this.
"This is exactly what we deserved last year, we didn't get it and they came back stronger."
Meanwhile, having let a nine-point lead slip, Charlton have one more shot at promotion as they host Leicester at The Valley in the relegation-promotion play-off on 23 May.
How the afternoon unfolded
Image caption,
Wilma Leidhammar scored a goal in each half as Birmingham won at Charlton
Despite being outside the automatic promotion places at kick-off, Palace were arguably in the best position, playing bottom of the league knowing that a win would secure a top-two finish.
However, they were given an early shock as Portsmouth's Megan Hornby scored direct from a corner in the third minute.
That seemed to jolt Palace into action and Molly-Mae Sharpe equalised from close range just eight minutes later.
Meanwhile, at The Valley, Charlton had begun to drop off after a bright start with Birmingham gradually gaining the upper hand.
Q&A
How did Birmingham City secure promotion to the Women's Super League?
Birmingham City secured promotion by defeating Charlton 2-0 in a crucial match, finishing as WSL 2 champions.
What was the final outcome for Charlton in the Women's Super League promotion race?
Charlton slipped into the play-off spot after losing to Birmingham City on the final day of the season.
What were the results of Crystal Palace's final match that led to their promotion?
Crystal Palace won their final match against Portsmouth 6-1, which helped them secure promotion back to the Women's Super League.
When will the Women's Super League expand to 14 teams?
The Women's Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams starting in the 2026-27 season.
