C&K Basildon Ladies boss Steve Tilson was proud of his side after they started life in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division with a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks are expected to be one of the clubs challenging to win promotion this season.

But Tilson was delighted by how his newly-promoted team performed at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium.

“It was a fantastic end-to-end game to watch and it could easily have ended 5-3 to us but I was so proud of the girls,” said Tilson.

“The first game of the season is always tough but they gave their all against a Charlton side which contained a lot of quality.

“A draw was probably a fair result in the end but everyone in the stadium will also know that we had two stonewall penalties not given.”

Sara Sinclair fired C&K Basildon into the lead before the Addicks hit back just before the break with Gemma Shepherd on target.

But Tilson was pleased to pick up a point as Basildon bid to build on last season’s promotion.

“I think the standard is a lot higher at this level and it’s a big jump up for us,” said Tilson.

“When you look at the teams we’re going to be playing against I think it says a lot.

“With that in mind, we need to be looking to consolidate in this league this season and Sunday was certainly a good start.”

C&K Basildon took the lead when Meagen Doyle flicked on a long ball which enabled the lively Sinclair to fire home.

Three minutes later, Doyle and Sinclair combined again on the edge of the penalty area but this time Sinclair’s shot was too high and went over the bar.

C&K Basildon went even closer to doubling their lead in the 35th minute when Meagen Doyle intercepted a quickly-taken free-kick and, spotting the Charlton goalkeeper off her line, sent a long range shot against the post.

However, Charlton were back on level terms on the stroke of half time when Shepherd found herself in behind the C&K Basildon defence before slipping the ball past Rowlands.

After the break, Rowlands pulled off a stunning save to deny Graham’s from close range before C&K Basildon hit back with Sinclair also having an effort blocked. The home side continued to push for a late winner and were almost rewarded right at the death when Sinclair was again denied by the visiting goalkeeper.

C&K Basildon: Rowlands, Carty, Smith, Lacey, Porter, C.Long, Stephanou (Sorenson), Doyle (Rodney), Sinclair, Rushen, Nash (Blowers). Subs not used B.Long & Bryant.

l C&K Basildon are back in action this Sunday when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur.