Birmingham, Palace promoted to WSL as Charlton fall to play-off

Birmingham, Palace promoted to WSL as Charlton fall to play-offImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Birmingham return to the WSL for the first time since the 2021-22 seasonBySam DruryBBC Sport journalistPublished1 minute agoBirmingham City and Crystal Palace have been promoted to the Women's Super League after a dramatic final day in the second tier saw Charlton slip into the play-off spot. The Women's Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season. The day began with Charlton top of the table, a point ahead of Birmingham in second and third-placed Palace.But it was all change by the end of the afternoon as a Wilma Leidhammar double gave Birmingham victory over Charlton in the winner-takes-all clash at The Valley, while Palace came from behind to thrash already-relegated Portsmouth 6-1.It means the Blues go up as WSL 2 champions, returning to the top flight after four years away, with Palace making an immediate return to the WSL after their relegation 12 months ago."How does it feel? Amazing! I am speechless," Birmingham manager Amy Merricks said."I just had a feeling, I know my team has bounced back every time. I'm so proud of them today."It's a tough place to come, I have to credit Charlton I think they've had a fantastic season. I'm so grateful for the team, this group is incredible and we're going to enjoy every moment of this."This is exactly what we deserved last year, we didn't get it and they came back stronger."Meanwhile, having let a nine-point lead slip, Charlton have one more shot at promotion as they host Leicester at The Valley in the relegation-promotion play-off on 23 May.How the afternoon unfoldedImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wilma Leidhammar scored a goal in each half as Birmingham won at CharltonDespite being outside the automatic promotion places at kick-off, Palace were arguably in the best position, playing bottom of the league knowing tha...