The team last played a competitive game at The Valley last season in a 2-1 FAWPL win against QPR. In 2015, they beat Cardiff City in an FAWPL Cup semi-final match, which was their first competitive game in SE7 since they hosted Fulham in November 2003.
They have played Portsmouth twice at home this season already, running out 4-2 winners both times.
Coach Riteesh Mishra told cafc.co.uk that “The match will be a great chance to showcase women’s football on a big stage.
“Most importantly, it is about the players having the opportunity to perform on a big stage and show everyone how good they are.”
“All I will be doing in the build up, is preparing the players to go out and perform to the levels that I know they can. Hopefully, this will bring a performance and result that the fans can be proud of.”
Captain Kim Dixson, who’s side currently sit fourth in FAWPL Southern Division, said: “Every time we play at The Valley it is special, for me especially being a Charlton fan. The first competitive game we had there against Cardiff in the League Cup stands out for me as a moment I will never forget.”
On the match and the FA Cup itself, Dixson pointed out the importance of a good performance and another win against the south coast side, with FA Women’s Super League 2 teams due in the hat for the third round.
She added: “The FA Cup is always good to go far in and test ourselves against a Super League team if we can, because that’s where we want to be.”
Charlton Athletic CEO Katrien Meire said: “It is a real honour for the club to host an SSE Women’s FA Cup match at The Valley. The Charlton Athletic women’s team have been in fine form this season and have some great players. We’re hoping we can get a big crowd at The Valley to cheer them on to the next round of the Cup.”
Entry for the match will be £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and Charlton season ticket holders, free for accompanied U-12s. All gate receipts will go to the women’s team.
Tickets for the match will go on sale from 9am on Thursday, December 29th. They will be available to purchase in person, by calling 03330 14 44 44 or by clicking here.
Photo – Keith Gillard
