One more win, that’s what’s needed.
Victory over Crystal Palace this weekend would confirm Charlton Athletic will be playing top tier WSL football next season. Of course, it would have been nice to be able to confirm promotion at The Valley but doing so behind a Sainsbury’s in Croydon probably comes a close second.
The hosts started off their campaign by losing to Karen Hills’ side - a rude welcome to a highly competitive division after relegation from the WSL. In fact, the Surrey based side only won one match in their first eight including defeats to strugglers Portsmouth and Sheffield United. Their form has since picked up and they have won eight of their last ten games with just one defeat. They are a possession-heavy side and are the league's third highest scorers. Striker Abbie Larkin has netted seven times and wing back Ashleigh Weerden has the same number of assists. They set up in 3-4-2-1 formation and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see The Addicks set up similarly.
Charlton started the season playing a 3-4-3 before transitioning to a 4-4-2, partly due to injuries. Last weekend's defeat to Bristol City saw a return to a back three with Gloria Siber used as a very defensive right wing back. It would be hard to argue that selection worked. Addicks fans will be hoping that Charlotte Newsham is fit enough to play from the start, especially with Palace’s main threat being down her flank.
Amelie Thestrup returned to the starting eleven against her former side but once again flattered to deceive. Gillian Kenney replaced her on 55 minutes and showed good composure to net Charlton’s only goal. She deserves to start alongside Lucy Fitzgerald.
The Addicks form has stuttered. An undefeated run has turned into two defeats in three games and the defensive solidity that defined most of the season has ebbed away somewhat. The team bounced back well after the Portsmouth defeat to scrap their way to victory against Sunderland. That performance showed a lot of grit and determination, a repeat of which will be needed to yield a result this weekend.
Of course a win isn’t a necessity. Palace are, unfortunately, a good side but a draw would mean that they could only catch us by winning their last three while we lost our last two. A win would be nice though, wouldn’t it?
If you are thinking of going to Selhurst Park join us in Block B. Details of tickets here:
https://www.castrust.org/2026/02/lets-all-sing-at-palace/
A win would also mean that the team could approach the upcoming FA Cup quarter final against Liverpool (April 5th 2.30pm) with no distractions. Tickets are now available for that game:
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/liverpool-fa-cup-tickets-now-sale
Photo by Danni Fairbairn