March's Player of the Month, Melissa Johnson offered her thought's ahead of Sunday’s derby day clash at The Valley as the Addicks welcome Crystal Palace to SE7 on the final day of the 2022/23 season (KO 2 pm BST).
The forward belives that Charlton have the opportunity to put things right and return to winning ways following a 4-0 defeat on the road last Sunday against Barclays Women’s Championship winners, Bristol City.
“We’re ready to put things right. We have an opportunity this weekend so I think it’s important that we aim to finish the season with a good performance and three points. Everyone’s focused on the task and working hard on the training pitch."
A hard-fought season comes to an end this Sunday with a 4th placed finish guaranteed heading into the fixture, a season featuring a number of highs, Johnson said:
“Our opening day win was a highlight as you always want to start well in the league; we kept a clean sheet and I scored on my debut. Our seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions was also another highlight and my first hat trick for the club was a special moment.
Johnson took her tally to fourteen goals across all competitions with her strike against Durham at The Valley earlier this month. A fantastic goal-scoring season for the 31-year-old.
Johnson added, “Of course. Coming in as a forward, it’s my job to contribute to goals as well as putting them away. Thankfully it has picked up progressively throughout the season and I’ll be hoping to add to it."
Attention turns to this Sunday’s clash as Karen Hills' side host Crystal Palace at The Valley, Charlton head into the fixture with the opportunity of securing three wins from three meetings this season, following a 2-1 win in the reverse tie at Selhurst Park and a 2-0 triumph in the Continental Cup in January.
“We have played Crystal Palace twice this season, in the league and in the cup so we know what to expect. They’re a good physical team and have been playing well so we know we will have to be at our best to get anything from the match. It’s a local derby, it’s at our place and we are up for it but we know they will be up for it, with us winning both previous matches.
“Everyone at Charlton Athletic Women would love it if you could come down and support us in our last match at The Valley. We are looking to finish the season on a high and need you there with us. Can’t wait to hear you all at the weekend. See you on Sunday Addicks."
Charlton v Crystal Palace will take place at The Valley on Sunday, April 30th. Click here to secure your tickets
