Gemma Bryan grabbed a brace and skipper Kim Dixson scored to give the Addicks a league double over last season’s runners up and give them back to back wins for the first time this term.

With Harley Bennett unavailable and Jenny Newman ill, Charley Clifford started in centre midfield with Paul Mortimer handing a first team debut to 16-year-old Courteney Gibson.

Charlton always looked the brighter team as Emma Beckett, Gemma Bryan and Fliss Gibbons combined well just five minutes into the game but Beckett fired just over.

They were ahead after 13 minutes when a Beckett free kick found PHSC plc’s Player of the Match Sinead Boyer at the far post and the right back headed it across goal.

Gibson was able to flick the ball on to Bryan, who outjumped her marker and headed the ball into the net.

It should have been two on the half hour mark as the impressive Boyer played Bryan down the right. The striker surged into the penalty area and squared the ball for Dixson but the ball bobbled and she put it wide of the post.

Suzanne Davies then had Forest’s first chance as she turned Jordan Butler but could only fire into the side netting. Bryan then had a similar chance, turning her marker and forcing Claire Wallhead into a good save.

The powerful striker then found herself in a one-on-one situation but, as she tried to round the keeper, Wallhead did very well to smother at Bryan’s feet.

The second half saw the Addicks continue their superiority and Gibbons won a 50th minute penalty but Bryan’s attempt was well saved, though at a comfortable height, by Wallhead.

Boyer, who was an attacking threat throughout, then put in a good cross but Gibbons volleyed over before they doubled their lead after 57 minutes.

Toni Alden picked the ball up on the left and her cross looked to be sailing in. Wallhead did well to get a hand on it but could only push it out to Dixson, who could not miss from two yards out.

Ten minutes later it was three. A superb ball from Clifford put Bryan through and the striker ran into the box before slotting a composed finish past the keeper.

Davies then had Forest’s second real chance of the game but her shot was well saved by Megen Lynch. Clifford was extremely unlucky not to have been on the scoresheet when Wallhead saved an ambitious but well-weighted 35-yard strike.

Charlton: Lynch, Boyer, Alden, Butler, Duggan, Clifford, Beckett, Dixson, Gibbons, Gibson (Manktelow 77), Bryan. Subs (not used): Newman.