Newcastle United make the long trip to The Valley this Sunday in a top of the table clash in the WSL 2(2pm kick off).

The Magpies are in fourth place, eight points behind Charlton but are unbeaten in seven league games in a campaign that has been blighted by too many draws. Their last league defeat was when we beat them 1-0 up in Gateshead in September but they have changed manager since that game and have switched to playing a 4231 instead of a 352. Charlton, of course are unbeaten since November 2024.

The clubs had contrasting fortunes in the FA Cup last weekend with the visitors losing 0-3 to West Ham while Charlton strolled through 10-0 against Swindon Town. Charlton were very impressive in that game and Amelie Thestrup will
have been relieved to get her shooting boots on and score a hat trick while new signing Katie Lockwood introduced herself to The Valley faithful in style, scoring a brace. Although not pushed too hard, the defence was solid and Sophie Whitehouse only had one shot on target to worry about.

A defeat this weekend would most likely extinguish any faint hopes Newcastle might have of winning the WSL 2. but Charlton are still in the driving seat for promotion and fixtures like this weekend's have the potential to strengthen that position. However, rivals Bristol City and Birmingham play the bottom two this weekend so a slip-up on our part could make things much tighter.

Gavin Carter stressed in the Meet the Directors show on Wednesday that our American owners are fully committed to the success of the women's team and that they understand that significant further investment would be required in WSL status was gained this season.