When they kick off against high scoring Bristol City on Sunday (2pm) Charlton will be looking to to complete a full calendar year since they were last beaten in a league game.
That is a nineteen game unbeaten run dating back to 17th November 2024 when they slipped up 1-2 at The Valley. And who was it who beat them? None other than Bristol City who will arrive in SE7 fresh from demolishing Ipswich and hoping to stop their hosts making it three wins in a week.
Last time out at The Valley Amalie Thestrup and Jodie Hutton’s long range strikes were enough to gain three points against Southampton. Goalkeeper errors were to thank for both goals, a theme that continued in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory away to WSL Brighton in the League Cup. In fact, it could be argued that the Addicks' last five goals have been down to poor goalkeeping. Karen Hills and her side would argue you can’t get that luck without shooting and it’s hard to disagree. Meanwhile, at the other end, both Sophie Whitehouse and Anna Pederson have excelled between the posts.
One team who don’t need luck to score are Bristol City. The Robins netted seven times against Ipswich and are the joint top scorers in the WSL 2. Charlton still have the tightest defence in the division by some margin and will be feeling confident after recent defensive performances.
Keeping Wales international Sophie Ingle quiet will be crucial in the fight to keep Bristol City at bay. The visitors will play with a midfield three so the Addicks strikers will need to drop back to help cover the extra player.
Realistically a win is not crucial this weekend. The key aim of this match should be not to lose. Bristol City are an impressive outfit who are strongly pushing for promotion and a draw (which would keep the gap to four points) would not be a bad result.
Tickets are £7 for adults, £5 for over 65s and £2 for under 18s. Available here:
Or at the ticket office before the game.