The extended break is over and Charlton Athletic Women are back in action this weekend.

Portsmouth were forced to withdraw from the League Cup fixture scheduled for 19th October and so it has been three weeks since Karen Hill’s Addicks played a competitive match.

In those intervening weeks Mia Ross made her debut for Wales against Poland and Mary McAteer came off the bench in the same fixture. Sophie Whitehouse was called up the Ireland squad but didn’t make an appearance. Jodie Hutton won the WSL2's Player of the Month award for October but sadly missed out on the goal of the month award. In less positive news, Kiera Skeels has undergone ankle surgery and isn’t expected back until mid January meaning she might miss a quarter of the season.

And so to this weekend's table topping clash. The Addicks make the journey to second place Birmingham City in the season’s first real six pointer. Birmingham are the WSL2’s top scorers while Charlton have by far the best defence in the league. The hosts are a possession-heavy side who patiently create openings for their attacking players. Elisha N’Dow will be called upon to marshal the defensive line in the absence of Skeels.

Going forward, Charlton will hope that Birmingham’s prolonged spells of possession will leave space in behind to attack. The Addicks are not scared of route one football and although it is not pretty on the eye it has been somewhat effective.

With the rest of the top six also facing off in the WSL2 avoiding defeat is crucial. If results go their way Charlton could be five points clear of third place come 4pm on Sunday. It may be early in the season but this is a real opportunity to take a step towards promotion.