Women's Championship round-up: London City Lionesses go top as Rio Hardy hits hat-trick

London City Lionesses claimed top spot in the FA Women's Championship table following their 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.

4,100 fans watched on at Bramall Lane, a new attendance record for the division. Amy Rodgers put them in front inside the opening five minutes before Atlanta Primus scored a second with just under 10 minutes left to play. Melissa Phillips' side have 20 points after nine games and sit one point clear of Bristol City in second, having played a game more.

Bristol City, on the other hand, were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Birmingham City at Ashton Gate. A second-half goal from Jade Pennock proved to be the difference as Lauren Smith's side fell to their first defeat of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Durham moved up to ninth in the table with a comfortable 5-1 win away at Coventry United. Jess Clarke and Saoirse Noonan were on the scoresheet for Durham, while Rio Hardy hit a quick-fire hat-trick in seven minutes.

Blackburn Rovers and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. Katie Wilkinson opened the scoring shortly into the second half for Southampton before Saffron Jordon found a late equaliser for the hosts.

Crystal Palace hosted Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park on Sunday but were narrowly beaten 2-1 by their south London rivals. Emily Simpkins and Melissa Johnson scored for the visitors in the first half and Felicity Gibbons' second-half effort was a mere consolation for the Eagles.

Mia Ross of Charlton is challenged by Hollie Olding of Crystal Palace during the Barclays FA Women's Championship match between at Selhurst Park (Photo by Henry Browne - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Lewes with Ellie Hack's 83rd-minute effort the only goal of the game. Mel Reay’s side sit 11th in the table with four points, only Coventry below them with zero points.

With Continental Cup fixtures next weekend, Championship action returns on Sunday, December 4 with some big meetings at both ends of the table. Sunderland are away at Coventry, in what will be a huge game in the fight for survival.

Elsewhere, Durham will host Bristol City and league-leaders London City are at home to newcomers Southampton. Charlton take on Sheffield United, Blackburn host Birmingham City and Lewes are at home to Crystal Palace.