CAPTAIN KIM EYES ADDICKS HISTORY

CAPTAIN Kim Dixson insists it’s time Charlton Athletic backed up their cup pedigree with a place in the Women’s Super League next season. The Addicks, FA Cup winners in 2005, had flattered to deceive over

the past decade or so but ended last term with a unique treble.

Dixson guided her side to the Women’s Premier League Cup for the first time since 2006, while they also retained the Capital London Cup and picked up the Ryman Cup for the first time. Add in a run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and you could argue it was a season to remember.

Yet a disappointing thirdplace finish in Women’s Premier League Southern Division in May saw Charlton miss out on the chance to make the step up to WSL 2.

It is a far cry from the heady days of 2006 when they were mixing it with the likes of Arsenal. Indeed, that year a 2-1 victory over the Gunners at Adams Park was their third successive Premier League Cup final appearance during a glittering spell for the south Londoners.

“Last season we finished third and the season before that fourth, so we’re happy with the improvement, but we are looking to put that right this year,” said Dixson “We’ve started well and hopefully we will do that.

“Our ultimate goal is promotion but you can’t be looking at that five games in. We had a really good season last year and we want to keep that momentum up and keep on improving.”

Jeremy Parsons’ side have made an unbeaten start to the season and lie fourth heading into today’s clash against third-place Portsmouth, who lost out in their WSL 2 play-off match against Northern Division counterparts Sheffield last season.

Gemma Shepherd, who scored 29 goals in 29 games last term, has already notched six goals in five games this time round and the Addicks are still waiting for Kit Graham, who managed an astonishing 54 goals in all competitions in 201415, to hit top form.

“Kit hasn’t even scored yet but that will definitely happen soon,” Dixson said.