Crystal Palace were unable to capitalise on their second chance in the Women’s FA Cup yesterday after losing 4-3 on penalties to Charlton.

Palace were reinstated after their third-round opponents Reading, who had won 3-0, were disqualified for fielding two ineligible players.

The Eagles, largely seen as the underdogs going into the match, were unable to get create many chances in the first half and were overrun by Charlton’s midfield at Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Palace found themselves a goal down after 13 minutes when Amy Howlett found the back of the net after the ball fumbled around the box and goalkeeper Sam Saint was caught out of position. 

The away side continued to struggle and after 25 minutes Charlton’s Kit Graham doubled the lead after receiving Rosie Paye’s pinpoint pass from the halfway line and volleyed over Saint. 

There must have been a tough talk in the Palace dressing room at the break as in the 46th minute Roschelle Shakes was able to claw one back, helping Palace reignite their support. 

Both teams continued to battle for the ball, which saw Charlton captain Kim Dixson and Palace’s Freya Holdaway receiv yellow cards within minutes of each other.

After an unwise challenge from Charlton’s Grace Coombs on Roschelle Shakes, Palace were awarded a penalty. 

Shakes stepped forward, in the 63rd minute, to draw level. 

Palace were unable hold on for long as Graham bagged another for the favourites in the 76th minute, before Angela Kiobel kept Palace’s dreams alive getting a late equaliser in the 89th minute.

Both teams started to tire quickly as extra time got underway and were unable to deliver a winning goal, resulting in the tie having to be settled by penalties. 

And it was Charlton who kept their nerve, winning 4-3 to progress into the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.