Sunday 4th February 2024

The Oakwood, Crayford DA1 4DN

Charlton Athletic WFC v. Lewes WFC

Madonna has regularly topped the charts over the years and Charlton Athletic are likewise flying high in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Today's mini Holiday takes me to The Oakwood in Kent where Charlton's Immaculate Collection of players have them top of the table. So I am very much Like A Virgin being as this is my first visit to VCD Athletic FC.

A lovely old stadium and certainly one to Cherish, and an easy 15 minute walk from the station - so not Miles Away. The Oakwood sports complex Used To Be The (My) Playground for worker's of the local Vickers factory in the town.

The home team were soon Into The Groove and laid siege to the Lewes goal. There were several goalmouth scrambles before the interval , including a Borderline decision where Melissa Johnson felt the ball was over the line, but Sophie Whitehouse in the Lewes goal can consider herself a Lucky Star.

On 43 minutes a superb counter attack gave the visitors a Ray of Light to take the lead with an excellent left footed strike. Take A Bow - Aimee Claypole. The travelling Rooks fans celebrating, but not Causing A Commotion.

At half time a simple team talk , no doubt, from Robins boss Karen Hills her instructions to her players 'Express Yourself'.

Second half , there was more pressing from both sides in what was at times an (I'm) Breathless encounter.

It took a brilliant Jump and glancing header in the 79th minute from Substitute (For Love) Tegan McGowan to Rescue (Me) a point for the Addicks, making her very Popular with fans and teammates alike.

The referee signalled Four Minutes added time (well it was six, but creative licence) with both teams looking for One More Chance. In the end both defences managed to Hold Tight so no late Celebration.

A blowy day in Kent but Don't Tell Me anyone in the 522 crowd was looking Frozen.

[Final Score: Robins 1 Rooks 1]

With apologies for the high cringe factor in this article, I have recently got over a bout of Fever.