READING FC WOMEN kick off their home campaign in the Women’s Championship this Saturday when they host Charlton Athletic (5.15pm kick-off) at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals were just moments away from making the perfect start to life in the second tier under new boss Liam Gilbert, but were pegged back in the final moments of their away trip to Crystal Palace.
Sanne Troelsgaard had bundled the ball in from close range to give Reading an 88th minute lead, but Palace hit back in the 101st minute to share the points.
The new Royals coach was pleased with his team’s performance considering his lack of preparation with the side having taken just five training sessions prior to the season opener.
The Berkshire club will now look to get the first win of the new regime under their belts when they host the Addicks this weekend.
The club made the decision to appoint left-back Lily Woodham as the new club captain.
The Welsh international has been with Reading since joining from Bristol City in 2018.
Charlton suffered a similar fate to Reading in their curtain raiser against Sheffield United.
They led for most of the match after Kayleigh Green scored the opener, only for the Blades to draw level in the 91st minute to rescue a point.
Karen Hills’ team finished in fourth position last season in the Championship on 38 points with 11 wins, five draws and six losses to their name.
Among the Charlton squad is former Royals academy player Kiera Skeels, who joined the Addicks in 2021.
