TWO goals in the last five minutes saw Basildon suffer their first defeat in pre-season to a strong Charlton Athletic side, who play in the FA Premership South.

Basildon’s Karissa Rodney and Amy Nash both saw shots clear the crossbar when well placed, but the first half finished goalless, with little between the two sides.

As the match entered the closing stages, Gemma Shepherd gave Charlton the lead on 85 minutes. Flo Gamby almost immediately equalised for Basildon, but saw her shot held by the Charlton goalkeeper. Shepherd then made the game safe for Charlton with a breakaway goal in the final minute.

C&K bounced back a few days later to thump Sawbridgeworth Town 8-1 with Zoe Rushen bagging a hat-trick.

Amy Nash, Lucy Wyatt, Karen Stephanou and Carly Eagles also netted with an own goal also adding to Basildon’s tally.