With the season reaching its climax and promotion in sight, Charlton Athletic Women take to the Valley for the first time this season as they host Millwall Lionesses.
Debut at the Valley
The Addicks have been handed the opportunity to play under the floodlights at the club’s home in south-east London, in what could be a huge boost for their promotion push.
Riteesh Mishra’s side are currently sat fourth in the FA Women’s Championship, with eight points separating them from rivals Manchester United in the second promotion spot.
Hope for promotion
Despite a sizable gap being formed, and with Millwall next up, the Addicks will have the chance to close the gap should the Red Devils drop points.
Having already enjoyed good fortunes against Millwall this season, beating their London derby rivals in both the League and the Continental Cup, Charlton will be looking to put behind the disappointment of their defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in their previous outing.
Mishra Motivation
Head Coach Riteesh will be hoping a night under the lights at the Valley will inspire his side back to winning ways.
Ahead of the big occasion, Rising East spoke exclusively to the club’s general manager, Steve Adamson, who spoke about the important message playing at Valley sends out over the continuing growth of women’s football.
Change of times
“The growth of women’s football over the past few years has been phenomenal and it’s only going to get larger with the Women’s World Cup this summer, Olympics the following summer before the 2021 Euros which England are hosting,” Adamson said.
“Charlton Athletic Women are proud that we have a strong relationship with the men’s team which allows us to play a few games at The Valley.”
Positive Motion
Adamson added “To play inside the main stadium is such a powerful message for where the game is heading and is a fantastic way to get new fans to watch for the first time.
“We need as many fans to experience women’s football possibly even for the first time as long term the sport grows and grows.”
